The great family of Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) held the sacred prayer and procession of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah with serenity and solemnity in the Grand Mosque of Thursina IIBS, on Wednesday (27/05).
It was attended by the board of directors, management, religious teachers, distinguished alumni, and students—who are prepared to become future leaders with an international mindset—amidst a warm atmosphere rich in profound spirituality and elegant camaraderie.
Ustaz Mohamad Taufik, M.Ed.—a Gontor-educated academic currently serving as the Chief of the Secretarial Office at Thursina IIBS—delivered the sermon on this auspicious occasion, while Ustaz Abrori, S.Kom.I., solemnly led the prayer.
In his sermon reflecting on sacrifice and absolute submission to the Creator, Ustaz Mohamad Taufik explained that the essence of Eid al-Adha serves as a vital instrument in building the character of stewardship—or servant leadership—and fostering global social sensitivity in the modern Muslim. He outlined three pillars of divine proximity—opportunities opened by Allah SWT during this sacred occasion—namely the Hajj pilgrimage, the Qurban (ritual sacrifice), and the fast of Arafah.
"For those called to the House of Allah, the pinnacle of closeness is reached at Arafah. Wukuf is not merely a matter of physical presence; it is a moment for self-reflection, self-discovery, acknowledging sins, and mending relationship with Allah. From the process emerging an accepted (mabrur) Hajj and a more pious individual," said Ustaz Mohamad Taufik, addressing the assembled pilgrims.
Furthermore, he emphasized that qurban (ritual sacrifice) is not merely a ceremonial annual ritual, but rather a high-level exercise in spiritual discipline designed to erode the boundaries of human egoism.
"What reaches Allah is not the flesh and blood, but the piety of the person making the sacrifice. So true sacrifice is an exercise in subduing ego, pride, greed and lust," said Ustaz Mohamad Taufik in a direct quote which emphasized the importance of self-cleaning (self-refinement).
He, moreover, indirectly conveyed that the Arafah fast serves as an exceptional alternative for those who have not yet had the opportunity to perform the Hajj pilgrimage or offer a sacrificial animal. This fast is viewed as an elegant means of introspection and self-restraint, aimed at cultivating individuals of high spiritual integrity.
The philosophy of sacrifice and universal care aligns with Thursina IIBS’s vision of cultivating global citizens with a cross-cultural mindset. Character education at Thursina consistently emphasizes the importance of intercultural awareness, ensuring that students not only excel academically on the international stage but also possess strong spiritual roots and boundless empathy.
In this year's celebration, Thursina Qurban Nusantara successfully secured the participation of 216 esteemed Qurban donors. These contributions resulted in the slaughter of 47 premium-grade goats or sheep, 12 collective cattle groups managed under an accountable shared-ownership system, and 14 individually owned cattle—an overall total equivalent to 225 goats.
Through the celebration of Eid al-Adha 1447 H, Thursina IIBS once again demonstrates its commitment to upholding noble spiritual traditions while educating a young Muslim generation that is refined, possesses noble character, and is prepared to contribute actively as visionary global citizens. (iz/lil)
