Maulid Nabi Celebration at Indonesian School in Mecca Features Free Blood Type Checks

There was something different about this year’s Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW celebration at the Indonesian School in Mecca (SIM). In addition to religious activities, students and parents were also invited to have their blood types checked for free as part of a program themed “Know Your Blood, Know Yourself.”

The event, held on Thursday (September 11, 2025), was an initiative of Nur Muthi’ah, a midwifery student at ‘Aisyiyah University (UNISA) Yogyakarta who is currently participating in an international community service program in Saudi Arabia. Working with other students, she set up a blood type testing service in the school grounds.

Nur Muthi’ah explained that the initiative aims to enhance health awareness. She emphasized that knowing one’s blood type is crucial for medical emergencies, transfusion needs, or when considering becoming a blood donor.

“Knowing your blood type is essential in medical emergencies. This is basic health knowledge that is important to have from an early age,” said Nur Muthi’ah.

The program was enthusiastically welcomed by students and parents. In fact, some of them admitted that this was the first time they had learned their blood type through this activity. The school also appreciated the innovation that combined the celebration of an important Islamic holiday with practical health services.

“This program is very beneficial. The children have become more concerned about their health, while the parents also feel that it has helped them,” said Salmah, one of the SIM teachers.