In the heart of Central Java, Indonesia, the people of Kudus Regency have upheld a unique tradition during Eid al-Adha (known locally in Javanese as Riyadi Besar): instead of sacrificing cows, they offer buffaloes. While uncommon in most Muslim regions, this practice holds deep spiritual and historical significance dating back to the 15ᵗʰ century and the da'wah of Sunan Kudus (1500–1550)—one of Java’s revered Wali Sanga (Nine Saints).
Sunan Kudus, born Sayyid Ja’far Shadiq, was instrumental in spreading Islam in a region then influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. Aware of the Hindu belief that cows are sacred, he instructed his followers to avoid slaughtering them—particularly during major Islamic festivals. Though not a formal religious requirement, this guidance became a symbol of compassionate proselytization and religious coexistence.
Sacred Substitutes: Why the Buffalo Took Center Stage
For many Hindus, the cow represents life, motherhood, and purity. Recognizing this, Sunan Kudus chose empathy over confrontation, using buffaloes as substitutes for sacrificial rites. In one well-known account, he tied a cow in front of his mosque and delivered a sermon using Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) from the Qur’an as a bridge between Islamic teaching and local beliefs.
Rather than being seen as a threat, Sunan Kudus earned respect across communities. His method led to a peaceful religious transition in Kudus, where Islam grew through dialogue and cultural sensitivity, not force.
Slaughter with a Message: How Kudus Keeps the Tradition Alive
More than five centuries later, the people of Kudus remain faithful to this legacy. Buffaloes are now the standard sacrificial animal during Eid al-Adha, reflecting both religious observance and local identity.
At Masjid Al-Aqsha Menara Kudus, a major religious landmark, the Yayasan Masjid Menara Kudus continues to refuse cow donations for sacrifice in keeping with tradition. In 2024, the mosque received and slaughtered 14 buffaloes, slightly fewer than the 18 from the previous year
This tradition goes beyond ritual—it is also culinary and social. The buffalo meat is prepared into cherished dishes like soto kebo and pindang kebo, with its price reaching around IDR 150,000 per kilogram (approximately US$9.38). In Kudus, offering buffalo is seen as both a spiritual act and a mark of social generosity.
Law and Legacy: What Islam Says About Buffalo Sacrifice
Today, the people of Kudus still follow this path. Buffaloes have become the animal of choice for sacrificial rites during Eid al-Adha. Not only are buffaloes acceptable in Islamic jurisprudence for qurban (sacrifice), but their use also preserves the cultural values passed down for generations.
According to Islamic scholars like Sheikh Nawawi al-Bantani and Sheikh al-Khatib al-Shirbini, buffaloes fall under the same legal category as cows. They are permitted as sacrificial animals, must be domesticated, and must meet the age requirements—typically two years and entering the third. Thus, from a sharia perspective, the buffalo is as valid as the cow in fulfilling religious obligations
Thus, Kudus’s tradition aligns with Islamic law, demonstrating not a deviation, but a thoughtful application of religious principles in harmony with local values.
NU and Muhammadiyah: Two Perspectives, One Respect
The tradition has received thoughtful endorsement from both of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations: Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, which represent the country’s traditionalist and modernist Islamic schools, respectively.
NU, rooted in traditionalist Islam, sees the Kudus practice as part of Islam rahmatan lil ‘alamin—a blessing for all creation. According to Nur Said of LAKPESDAM NU Kudus, while cow slaughter is allowed in Islam, honoring Hindu neighbors reflects a higher moral message. He even suggests the tradition's values be included in school curricula to promote pluralism.
Muhammadiyah, representing modernist Islam, also respects the tradition. Spokesperson Noor Muslikhan emphasizes that while cow sacrifice is legally valid, the buffalo tradition represents tadayyun—a lived expression of religious diversity. For Muhammadiyah, this is seen as a continuation of ijtihad (independent reasoning) by Sunan Kudus in preaching Islam through cultural adaptation and peaceful means.
Tolerance in Every Bowl: Why It Still Matters Today
Today, the tradition remains as relevant as ever. In 2024, over 2,200 buffaloes were sacrificed in Kudus during Eid al-Adha, compared to 420 cows, 7,672 goats, and 106 sheep, according to Kudus Regency Agriculture and Food Agency (Dinas Pertanian dan Pangan Kabupaten Kudus). These numbers affirm the community’s continued dedication to an act rooted in respect, not just religion.
As Nur Said beautifully said, “In a bowl of buffalo soup, there’s tolerance.” For a world facing rising religious and cultural tensions, the Kudus example offers a timeless lesson: that faith and harmony can go hand in hand when guided by wisdom, history, and sincere understanding.
