Performing the Aidiladha sacrifice virtually via Ez-Qurban
KUALA LUMPUR: Once again, the ‘takbir’ or proclamation of the greatness of Allah (God), is heard in Copenhagen and, for the fourth consecutive time, Dr Fauzan Ahmad, 34, one of the hundreds of Malaysians in Denmark, can only perform the Aidiladha sacrificial slaughter virtually.
The researcher in gut microbiome from the University of Copenhagen said Muslims in Denmark could not perform the Aidiladha sacrificial slaughter like in Malaysia.
“In Denmark, the law does not justify animal slaughter. “Much of the meat is imported. “As an alternative, during Aidiladha, we will participate in online sacrifice, with EzQurban, which allows Muslims to carry out the sacrifice and ‘aqiqah’ ( livestock slaughtering to celebrate a newborn) ritual in any country.
“Or else, we could ask a butcher to help us with the sacrifice or the ‘aqiqah’.
Through him, the sacrificial livestock, such as a cow or goat, will be slaughtered in another country, usually Lithuania, and the meat distributed in certain places,” he said to Bernama via WhatsApp.
On the price of meat, the PhD graduate who hails from Yan, Kedah, explained that it could be rather expensive, with one kilogramme of the beef sirloin selling for 90 Danish Krone (about RM60).
“As an Aidiladha dish, we usually use the meat to make satay with other Malaysians. Like this year, the holy day falls today (Aug 21), so we will celebrate it during the weekend because we are all working. We have a plan to gather at our friend’s home in Lund, Sweden, which is located about 70km from Copenhagen.
“During our gathering, we will pray in congregation and do the ‘ takbir’ on the compound of this house.
“At least, there is some festive atmosphere,” said the father for three children — Azkiya, Aufa and Hanna.
Fauzan said among the advantages of celebrating the holy day abroad is that it strengthens the spirit of ‘ukhwah’ ( brotherhood), especially among the Malays.
“We know and realise that there is a lot we need to sacrifice to make a living in a foreign country. So it teaches us not to be selfish because we need to care for one another, no matter if we are Muslims or not – we are Malaysians.
“I believe that sacrificing selfinterest for the well-being of others is a key lesson that could guide us when celebrating Aidiladha abroad,” he said. — Bernama