In an atmosphere filled with warmth and blessings, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) marked the celebration of Eid al-Adha 1444 Hijri on Thursday, June 29, 2023, embracing the profound spirit of sacrifice and compassion. Members of the UNNES community gathered to honor this significant event in Islam, fostering unity and goodwill.
Held at the Ulul Albab Mosque (MUA) on the UNNES campus, the celebration drew hundreds who came together to participate in the traditional rituals with gratitude and devotion. Among those in attendance were UNNES Rector Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si., university leaders, faculty, staff, students, and surrounding community members.
In his remarks, Rector Martono emphasized the essential values of togetherness and benevolence embodied in the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
“This occasion is not solely about the sacrificial act; it is a testament to the spirit of selflessness, shared compassion, and social cohesion. We recognize our shared humanity and extend our compassion to those in need,” he expressed.
The highlight of the celebration was the carefully coordinated and religiously observant ritual sacrifice, undertaken by a team of skilled professionals. This year, UNNES contributed 13 cows and 7 goats for the ritual, with each animal meticulously selected and managed. The meat from the sacrifice was distributed to the students, residents near the campus, with special attention to underprivileged families, ensuring that the values of kindness and charity were shared among all.
Following this, a congregational Eid prayer led by KH. Agus Ramadhan the Head of Ponpes Durrotun Aswaja in Gunungpati.
Head of the UNNES Asset and Business Optimization Board, Dr. Moh. Solehatul Mustofa, M.A., delivered an insightful sermon, urging the community to reflect on the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim.
“We must look to Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering dedication and willingness to fulfill Allah’s command with sincerity. May this celebration deepen our connection with the Divine,” he imparted.
UNNES’s Eid al-Adha celebration was a significant moment for the university community, serving as an opportunity to embody the values of kindness and uphold social responsibility as outlined in religious teachings. It is hoped that the spirit of unity and charity born from this event will continue to inspire the entire UNNES community.
The university’s doors were opened not only to its members but also to the broader community, embodying UNNES’s inclusive values. This initiative demonstrated UNNES’s commitment not only as an educational institution but also as a social hub that unites various layers of society.
Furthermore, students played a vital role in organizing and executing the event, managing logistics, overseeing the sacrificial ritual, and distributing meat to the community. Through their active involvement, UNNES students gained practical lessons in leadership, social responsibility, and the principles of charity. This year’s celebration of Eid al-Adha at UNNES stands as a testament to the university’s dedication to fostering a compassionate and socially conscious community.
