Muslims in PNG observe religious festival, share with poor

THE Muslim brotherhood in Papua New Guinea has been strengthened once again through the celebration of Eid al-Adha, according to the Islamic Society of PNG (ISPNG).
ISPNG member Nik Hassan Suhaimi Mohamed said those who could afford to make it to the Hajj, a five-day-long pilgrimage to Mecca the Muslim Holy Place in Saudi Arabia, did so but others around the world performed the Qurban (sacrifice) where they were.
Eid al-Adha or the festival of sacrifice marks the end of the annual Hajj and is an Islamic holiday that commemorates the prophet Ibrahim test of faith in which he was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail when commanded by Allah.
During the festival, Muslims slaughter animals, particularly, cows, sheep, goats or camels to share with the poor and distribute among their families and friends.
Mohamed, who is also from the Malaysian Muslim community, said for PNG, 28 cows were sacrificed.
He said it was mainly about giving to the poor Muslim brothers and non-Muslims to strengthen brotherhood.
ISPNG treasurer Rezza Yusof said the cows were bought from the Trukai Industries in Lae and were shipped to Port Moresby where they were slaughtered according to the Islamic law at the abattoir in 9-Mile last week.
He said the cows were purchased by the members of ISPNG and since there were different Islamic teachings respective to where they came from, the distribution of the meat was done accordingly.
He said for the Malaysian Muslims, after the Qurban, the meat was divided into portions of cooked and uncooked and distributed to the poor and among themselves.
Malaysian High Commissioner Mohamad Nasri Abdul Rahman said the High Commission and Malaysian Muslims had one cow and committed all their portions to be shared with the poor.
He said the raw portion was distributed last week and they started sharing the cooked meat on Sunday and would continue until the meat was finished.
Abdul Rahman said the food was given to those who were at the Hohola and Bushwara Mosques.
He said the Malaysian Muslim community partook every year and they hoped it would strengthen their belief and bond with the local Muslims.