Muslims Urged to Heed Legal and Shari’ah Requirements during Eid al-Adha

The Federation of Maharashtra Muslims (FMM) has appealed to the Muslim community to keep the following points in mind while observing the festival of Eid al-Adha. Here is the text of the appeal:

Eid al-Adha is approaching in a few days. Greetings of Eid Mubarak to all of you. On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, please keep the following important points in mind:

1. Qurbani (sacrifice) is not merely a ritual; rather, it is the Sunnah of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) alaihis-salam, which was also practised by the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This sacrifice is an important form of worship, and no other good deed can replace it. Therefore, the requirements of Shari’ah and religion should be properly observed. Also, make it a point to continue reciting the Takbeer during the days of Eid.
2. Qurbani is a religious act that requires sincerity. Therefore, avoid showmanship and unnecessary display. It is inappropriate to parade sacrificial animals on roads without reason, especially children should be discouraged from such acts, as they increase congestion in streets and lanes and inconvenience pedestrians and traffic.
3. The sacrifice of goats and other small animals should never be carried out in open or public places. After the sacrifice, ensure proper cleaning of blood and waste materials. Unused remains and waste should never be thrown onto roads, housing lanes, or drains, as this can spread foul smell and pollution in the neighbourhood, potentially causing diseases that may affect us and our children as well. Therefore, all waste and unnecessary remains should only be disposed of at locations designated by the authorities.
4. In the case of large animals, do not sacrifice any animal prohibited by law. The sacrifice of large animals should only be carried out in slaughterhouses or at locations designated by the administration. While traveling to and from slaughterhouses by bus, train, or on foot, carry sacrificial tools wrapped in cloth. On the return journey, change blood-stained clothes at the slaughterhouse itself. Avoid transporting meat openly or in blood-stained bags. Whether the sacrifice is of a small or large animal, strictly refrain from taking photographs, making videos, or sharing them on social media. Cooperate fully with the administration and abide by the laws of the country. Avoid unnecessary provocation. Even if mischief-makers attempt to provoke you, demonstrate patience, restraint, and dignity to the best of your ability. Remember, some troublemakers may try to incite you in order to disturb peace in the area and spoil your Eid al-Adha celebrations. Therefore, remain alert.
5. Do not give the general public, especially fellow countrymen and neighbours, any reason for complaint through your conduct. Do not allow tensions to arise, and maintain discipline and order. The law should never be violated.
6. God forbid, if any issue arises anywhere, it is better to try to resolve the matter locally through responsible and sensible members of the community. In this regard, remain in contact with the office-bearers of well-known organisations working among the community.
7. Dear brothers, through our conduct, let us make Eid al-Adha a means of inviting towards the faith. Pray to Allah Almighty that this Eid proves to be blessed for the community, the country, and the world. Ameen.

The appeal has been issued by Maulana Umrain Mahfooz Rahmani, Secretary, Muslim Personal Law Board; Maulana Dr. Mahmood Daryabadi, General Secretary, Ulama Council; Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, State President Jamaat-e-Islami Maharashtra and Member, Muslim Personal Law Board;  Maulana Halimullah Qasmi, General Secretary, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Maharashtra; Maulana Mufti Muhammad Huzayfa Qasmi, Nazim Tanzeem, Jamiat Ulama Maharashtra; Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi, Vice President, Shia Personal Law Board;  Maulana Nizamuddin Fakhruddin, Member, Muslim Personal Law Board; Maulana Syed Athar Alam, President, Ulama Association; Dr. Saeed Ahmad Faizi, State General Secretary, Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith Maharashtra; Maulana Mufti Ashfaq Qasmi, Member, Muslim Personal Law Board and Qazi of Akola; Maulana Agha Rooh Zafar, Imam, Khoja Jamaat Mumbai; Maulana Mufti Qazi Ashfaq, Mufti, Jama Masjid Mumbai and Director, Family First Guidance Centre; Maulana Shabbir Bhopalwala, Bohra Jamaat Maharashtra; Hafiz Iqbal Chuna Wala, Member, Shura Darul Uloom Deoband Waqf; Maulana Muhammad Naseer Islahi, Nazim-e-Aala, Majlis Ulama Tehreek Islami Maharashtra; and Farid Sheikh, President, Aman Committee Mumbai.