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Muslims urged to reflect on true meaning of Aidiladha

Self-renewal via melontar ritual MINA: The melontar ritual, known as the stoning of the devil performed by pilgrims in Mina, is not merely an act to fulfil the requirements of syariah , but carries a deeper meaning as a symbol of self-renewal and rejection of the mazmumah (negative) traits in the life of a Muslim. Tabung Haji (TH) guidance operations director Shahrin Awaludin said the act, which involves throwing pebbles at three jamrahs , namely Jamrah Ula, Wusta and Kubra, carried out from the 10th to 13th Zulhijjah , also emulates the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW and commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim A.S. “This stoning ritual symbolises the casting away of the mazmumah traits such as arrogance, defiance and all reprehensible qualities in oneself. It serves as a spiritual commitment for pilgrims to become better individuals after completing the haj pilgrimage.” He said the stoning ritual not only demands physical effort but also profound spiritual practice, closely aligned with the true essence of haj , to return home with a purified soul and a heart fully submissive to Allah SWT. “Throwing the stones isn’t merely a physical act, it’s a declaration of the heart, a sincere pledge to change, to abandon sin and to return to a pure, natural state.” Shahrin said TH also organised a tazkirah (talk) session to help Malaysian pilgrims better understand the significance behind each ritual and obligation of the haj , including the stoning of the Jamrah . “TH conducted continuous guidance and tazkirah sessions for pilgrims after the Fajr and Zuhr prayers throughout their stay in Mina to remind them of the proper guidelines for worship, including the stone throwing of the Jamrah , the early tahalul and the difference between nafar awal and nafar thani.” The pilgrims were also encouraged to make full use of their long stay in Mina by increasing their personal worship, such as performing sunnah prayers, reading the Quran, engaging in dhikr and participating in other spiritually beneficial activities. The Masyair operation is the culmination of the haj operation, which involves the movement of Malaysian pilgrims to Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, over five days from 8th to 13th Zulhijjah to complete the pillar and obligatory haj rituals. – Bernama sales, state expos and agricultural festivals. “I’m very grateful for the friends and community connections who’ve linked me to mosques, surau and buyers. That support means a lot.” He plans to eventually supply processed beef under his own brand, and is exploring high-protein cattle feed development. “Hopefully, one day I’ll have my own branded products. This could grow into something sustainable for my family.” – By Faiz Ruzman

consumed by the owner, symbolises that blessings are not meant to be hoarded, but shared. “True enjoyment of divine favours lies in generosity and collective gratitude.” He urged young Muslims to engage sincerely with the festival’s meaning, beyond social media awareness. “We want to see them dedicate themselves, whether by saving up to contribute to korban or reflecting deeply on the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim, Ismail and Prophet Muhammad.” Abu Hafiz also highlighted that Prophet Ibrahim faced many trials. His patience, perseverance and hope offer lessons for all. “At over 80 years, Prophet Ibrahim was blessed with children after years of prayer. Though the answer came late, he never lost hope. “His story reminds us that delays are not denials, and Allah’s promises come to those who persist with faith.” He said in times of economic pressure and personal anxiety, Muslims can draw inspiration from the values of Aidiladha .

‘So eat of them and feed the needy who do not ask and the beggar.’ “This value strengthens Islamic brotherhood, and as the Prophet Muhammad said, ‘he is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbour goes hungry.’ “These teachings remind believers not to be comfortable while others suffer. Empathy and community care should continue beyond the festival.” International Islamic University Malaysia Department of Quran and Sunnah Studies assistant professor Dr Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin said Aidiladha revives the Islamic principle of Tawhid (the belief in the oneness of God) and total submission to His will. “It reflects absolute submission, with Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to obey without protest when commanded to sacrifice his son, and Ismail’s acceptance of his father’s vision as divinely inspired.” He said in a world where religion is often sidelined, Aidiladha reminds believers that faith must remain central, not peripheral. “The distribution of meat, shared with others and not solely

o Festival commemorates story of Prophet Ibrahim and son Ismail who showed unwavering faith, submission to God’s command

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Federal Territories deputy mufti Jamali Mohd Adnan said the story is not merely historical but a powerful lesson in obedience and trust. “It commemorates the absolute obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah’s command as well as the willingness of him and his son to undergo one of the greatest tests in their lives. “This is a spiritual lesson that should shape the character and soul of every Muslim.” One key ritual is korban, the slaughter of livestock like cows, goats or sheep, with the meat distributed to the poor. Jamali said while this may seem like tradition, it is rooted in generosity and social responsibility. “The korban calls on us to avoid selfishness and instead share our blessings with those less fortunate. As stated in Surah al-Hajj , verse 36:

‘Petronas layoffs mainly involve contract workers’ KAJANG: Most of the layoffs at Petronas will involve contract-based employees, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim “Yes, many contract workers will be laid off,”he said after Friday prayers at Surau Al-Ikhwan in Kajang. Also present was Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. On Thursday, Petronas said it expects to reduce its headcount by over 5,000 as part of a rightsizing exercise amid challenging market conditions. Petronas president and CEO Tengku Tan Sri Muhammad Taufik said all affected staff would be notified by year-end. He added that the company would freeze new hiring until December 2026. According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim was commanded in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, and just as he was about to do so, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram. PETALING JAYA: As Muslims in Malaysia and worldwide celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha today, scholars urge believers to reflect on the deeper spiritual meaning of the festival, especially the values of selflessness, trust in God and compassion. Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, Aidiladha commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, who showed unwavering faith and submission to God’s command in a profound test.

Anwar at Friday prayers at Surau Al-Ikhwan in Kajang. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Veteran singer Jamal Abdillah’s thriving livestock venture TAIPING: Veteran singer Datuk Jamal Abdillah, 66, has supplied over 100 cattle for korban this year through his livestock venture. has since evolved into something with long-term potential.

of my schedule. “Thankfully, my wife is just as passionate. She manages the administrative side, and we’ve got skilled workers who understand cattle care. I handle what I can, but most of the daily work is shared.” He said another persistent challenge is navigating differing interstate veterinary regulations. “The permit process for cattle supply between states can be challenging. Each state requires different documents, and sometimes

recipients must go in person for approvals.” Since 2023, Jamal has operated a nearly two-hectare feedlot farm in Bukit Merah, with facilities that can house 300 to 400 cows. He also plans to begin goat-rearing. Jamal said each cow is sold at an average price of RM5,950, based on the standard seven-part division for korban , with each share priced at about RM850. Outside the Aidiladha season, Jamal has participated in Rahmah

“I’ve always loved animals. I kept fish, arowana and other pets. But over time, I saw this business had a bright future, so I jumped in. Once it gained momentum, I realised it could go further.” However, Jamal admits there are challenges, including balancing his entertainment career with running the farm. “I’m still actively performing. I get a lot of offers, which take up a big part

“This year for Hari Raya Haji , I’ve received bookings from several states, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca, but most are still from Perak. “I’ve received orders from city councils, corporate bodies and individual donors contributing cattle for mosques and communities,” he told theSun . What began as a personal hobby