Why Indonesian Muslims Should Follow the Decision of Makkah

Discover the reasons why Indonesian Muslims should follow the decision of Makkah in determining Eid al-Adha and get tips for celebrating this festival properly.

Ustadz Felix Siauw

Eid al-Adha is one of the major festivals celebrated by Muslims every year on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah. This festival marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage performed in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. On this day, financially capable Muslims are obligated to sacrifice animals as an act of devotion and obedience to Allah SWT.

However, there is often a discrepancy in the celebration of Eid al-Adha between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. This is due to different methods of determining the beginning of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, namely through rukyat (visual sighting of the crescent moon) and hisab (astronomical calculations). Additionally, geographical and climatic factors also affect the visibility of the crescent moon in different regions.

Muslims' attitude towards the difference in festival dates

For example, last year, Saudi Arabia determined that the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah fell on July 8, 2022 CE, resulting in Eid al-Adha being celebrated on July 17, 2022. Meanwhile, the Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, declared that the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah fell on July 9, 2022 CE, making Eid al-Adha fall on July 18, 2022.

So, how do Indonesian Muslims respond to this difference? Should they follow the Eid al-Adha schedule of Makkah or adhere to the Indonesian schedule?

Here are some reasons why Indonesian Muslims should follow the decision of Makkah in determining Eid al-Adha:

First Reason: Hajj is Arafah, and It's Exclusive to Makkah

One of the reasons why Indonesian Muslims should follow the decision of Makkah in determining Eid al-Adha is because Hajj is Arafah, and it is exclusive to Makkah. This view is explained by Ustadz Felix Siauw, a preacher and author of Islamic books.

According to Ustadz Felix Siauw, Hajj is Arafah because the Day of Arafah holds the utmost significance in the Hajj pilgrimage. On this day, Hajj pilgrims gather in the plain of Arafah to pray and supplicate to Allah SWT. The Day of Arafah is also known as the day of forgiveness and atonement.

Ustadz Felix Siauw further explains that Hajj is exclusive to Makkah because Allah SWT has designated Makkah as the center for Hajj rituals. It is here that the Kaaba, the House of Allah, stands as the qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims worldwide. Makkah is also home to the Masjid al-Haram, the Prophet's Mosque, Jabal al-Rahmah, Mina, Muzdalifah, and other sites associated with the history of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Therefore, Indonesian Muslims should follow the decision of Makkah in determining Eid al-Adha because this festival is closely tied to the Hajj pilgrimage, which is exclusive to Makkah.

By following a different Eid al-Adha schedule than Makkah, Indonesian Muslims would lose harmony with the Hajj pilgrims who are present in the holy land.

Second Reason: Avoiding Division and Differences of Opinion

The second reason why Indonesian Muslims should follow the decision of Makkah in determining Eid al-Adha is to avoid division and differences of opinion.

Therefore, Indonesian Muslims should follow the decision of Makkah in determining Eid al-Adha because this festival should serve as a means to unite and bring together the Muslim community, rather than creating division.

If Indonesian Muslims were to follow a different Eid al-Adha schedule than Makkah, it would only lead to unnecessary disagreements and differences of opinion.

However, according to Ustadz Abdul Somad, the difference in Eid al-Adha dates between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia is something that commonly occurs due to varying criteria and conditions in determining the beginning of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah in different regions. Nonetheless, this should not be a reason for contention and varying celebrations.

Ustadz Abdul Somad suggests that Indonesian Muslims should simply follow the decision of the government, as it helps eliminate differences of opinion. This viewpoint is recognized by scholars of all four major Islamic schools of thought. Furthermore, following the government's decision is also an act of obedience to the ulil amri (authority) as commanded by Allah SWT in the Qur'an.

Third Reason: Preserving the Sanctity and Virtue of Eid al-Adha

The third reason why Indonesian Muslims should follow the decision of Makkah in determining Eid al-Adha is to preserve the sanctity and virtue of this festival. This perspective is shared by Ustadz Zulkifli M Ali, an educator and author of Islamic books.

According to Ustadz Zulkifli M Ali, Eid al-Adha is a festival that holds numerous virtues and wisdoms for the Muslim community, including:

- Remembering the story of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), who were willing to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah SWT.

- Reminding Muslims that their wealth and lives belong to Allah SWT and should be sacrificed in His path.

- Strengthening familial and Islamic bonds by sharing the meat of the sacrificial animal with family, neighbors, the needy, and those who are less fortunate.

- Earning multiplied rewards from Allah SWT for worshiping during these blessed days.

Therefore, Indonesian Muslims should follow the decision of Makkah in determining Eid al-Adha because it is a festival that should be celebrated with utmost sanctity and virtue. By following a different Eid al-Adha schedule than Makkah, the value and significance of this festival would be diminished.

Conclusion

Eid al-Adha is a significant festival celebrated by Muslims every year on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah. It marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage performed in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. On this day, financially capable Muslims are obligated to sacrifice animals as an act of devotion and obedience to Allah SWT.

There is often a discrepancy in the celebration of Eid al-Adha between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia due to different methods of determining the beginning of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, as well as geographical and climatic factors.

According to some scholars, Indonesian Muslims should follow the decision of Makkah in determining Eid al-Adha due to several reasons: