In a few days, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, comes with its own majesty and peculiarity. When the 10th of Dhul Hijjah in the Hijri calendar arrives, Muslims are directed not only to fulfill the obligation of Eid-ul-Adha prayer, but also to perform the unforgettable act of sacrifice.
For Muslims, qurbani has become a common tradition involving the slaughter of animals such as cows and goats. However, there is one city in Indonesia that stands out for its unique and special qurbani tradition. The city is Kudus, located in Central Java.
In Kudus Regency, a region in Central Java, Indonesia, there is a unique and significant tradition during the Eid al-Adha celebration: the sacrifice of a buffalo. This tradition is not only a symbol of tolerance, but also a deep respect for other religions.
It was started as a form of respect for the Hindu community in the area by Sunan Kudus, a spiritual figure in the 16th century. The Kudus area itself was the center of Hinduism at that time. In Hinduism, the cow is considered a sacred animal. By sacrificing a buffalo instead, the Sunan Kudus wanted to show respect and tolerance for their religious beliefs. Since then, this tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and is still performed with great respect. The people of Kudus cherish the values of tolerance and inclusiveness contained in this tradition.
According to Nur Said, a philosophy lecturer at the Agama Islam Negeri Kudus Institute, the buffalo sacrifice tradition is part of the legacy of the Sunan Kudus, who spread the message of tolerance and kindness to all people. The people of Kudus see this tradition as a way to honor the noble principles of Islam, such as embracing and not judging others.
In addition, there is a well-known term in Javanese society, "tepa salira," which describes the ability to feel and understand the feelings of others with the goal of not hurting or wounding them. Sunan Kudus had a deep understanding of the feelings of the people of Kudus at that time, the majority of whom were Hindus. Sunan Kudus understood that it was painful for them to slaughter the animals they worshipped, even though cows are not forbidden in Islam.
Eventually, this tradition had a positive impact on the culinary field as well. Several local specialties, such as soto and pindang, were developed because of the buffalo meat provided during the sacrificial tradition. This has enriched the local culinary diversity and become an important part of Kudus' culinary identity.
The tradition of slaughtering buffalo during Eid al-Adha in Kudus Regency is a tangible demonstration of the power of tolerance and respect for other religions. It reminds us that despite our differences, we can still live together in peace and harmony.
But today, not all Kudus people still slaughter buffaloes during Eid al-Adha, only a small number still keep the tradition. Besides the larger amount of meat, cows are also considered more affordable than buffaloes.
However, it seems that there are still those who maintain the tradition of not slaughtering cows for qurbani. In some places, such as the Menara Kudus mosque, they still follow the teachings of the Sunan Kudus. Even some companies and government agencies avoid slaughtering cows as a form of respect.
