City mosques gearing up for Aidiladha

The Star

20 hours ago

Final touches: Fauzi Badarudin, a committee member of Surau Diri Jumaat Ahmad Khalif in Ipoh, rolling out prayer mats in preparation for Aidiladha. The surau will slaughter eight cows and one lamb, with the meat to be distributed to about 300 households. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Mosque management teams across the capital are gearing up for the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual (korban) today.
Every detail, from logistics to personnel involved, is thoroughly examined to ensure the ritual is carried out smoothly and in compliance with religious requirements.
Imam of Masjid Negara (National Mosque) Mohd Nadzri Mustakim told Bernama that they prioritise the health of staff members involved in the process to ensure a smooth and safe slaughter ritual.
'We designate spots to carry out the slaughtering, maintain the tools, obtain permits for cattle and goats and clean the surrounding areas.
'The main prayer hall has also been prepared to accommodate the congregants,' he said.
Mohd Nadzri added that the management strives to adhere to the standard operating procedures set by the religious authorities, including the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim).
He said the sacrificial ritual at Masjid Negara will be carried out over two days, with 19 goats and sheep to be slaughtered after the special prayer today, while 10 head of cattle will be sacrificed tomorrow starting 8am.
Masjid Amru Ibni Al-'As in Bandar Baru Sentul near here is set to slaughter 10 head of cattle specially ordered from Kelantan, according to its imam, Zulfahmi Samsudin.
He said the mosque management has set up teams to ensure the smooth running of the sacrificial ritual, including a technical team in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall and other agencies.
Meanwhile, city folk are bustling with Aidiladha preparations, thronging public markets as early as 6am yesterday to buy ingredients to cook festive dishes.
Azhar Salleh, 60, a coconut milk trader at Dato Keramat market, said his stall began operating at 2am instead of 8am to make it easier for his customers.
Civil servant Noraini Gafar, 38, who had taken leave to prepare, said she and her daughter arrived early at the market, but there was already a large crowd.
'It was crowded, but I was relieved that the items I needed were still available,' she said.