New Delhi: Ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, prominent Muslim clerics have appealed to the community to strictly adhere to government regulations while performing Qurbani (sacrifice), and to act with sensitivity and responsibility in the current social climate.
Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, emphasized that sacrifice during Eid is a religious duty with no alternative in Islam. However, he urged Muslims to observe precautionary measures, including refraining from sharing images or videos of slaughtered animals on social media, reported the Hindu.
“In Islam, sacrifice is obligatory for those who meet the criteria. But in light of current circumstances, it is important to act with caution and dignity,” said Madani. He also advised against sacrificing animals in public places or of species prohibited by law.
Addressing concerns over local restrictions on certain animals, such as buffaloes, Maulana Madani encouraged the community to seek the administration’s cooperation where needed. “If local miscreants try to obstruct the sacrifice of certain animals, influential members should approach the administration for support. If difficulties persist, Muslims should perform sacrifices in areas where it can be done peacefully and lawfully,” he added.
The Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, Syed Shaban Bukhari, also echoed these sentiments, urging the community to avoid public sacrifices and maintain cleanliness in neighborhoods during the festival, which falls on June 7 this year.
“Eid-ul-Adha must be observed with dignity,” Bukhari said. He stressed that the act of sacrifice should not offend the sentiments of fellow citizens and must be carried out only within private enclosures or authorized areas—not on streets or in open spaces.
He further appealed to Muslims not to capture or share photos or videos of the sacrifice, underscoring that Islam promotes peace and harmony.
“We must ensure our practices do not hurt anyone’s emotions. Our conduct during this festival should reflect the peaceful and respectful teachings of Islam,” Bukhari added.
Both clerics urged Muslims to show restraint in the face of any provocation from communal elements and to report such incidents to the local police. They also reminded the community that Islam promotes respect for all religions and encourages its followers to preserve communal harmony.