Okhla-headquartered Muslim body issues guidelines for Muslims ahead of festival of sacrifice Eid-al-Adha
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s Sharia Council has issued guidelines for Muslims, ahead of the festival of sacrifice – Eid-al-Adha, in the wake of the novel coronavirus.
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Muslims will celebrate the annual festival of sacrifice in a few days across the globe. On this occasion, Muslims perform namaz and sacrifice animals (qurbani) to commemorate the deeds of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) followed and also enjoined upon Muslims.
In the present circumstances, various questions are being raised regarding the sacrifice and Eid prayer because of various governmental restrictions imposed due to COVID-19.
The Shariah Council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind in a statement to the media reflected on these questions and issued the guidelines.
Sharia Council of the Jamaat suggested that qurbani is not merely a ritual or a custom. It is stated in a Hadith (saying of the Prophet) that on the “days of sacrifice”, Qurbani is the most cherished deed in the eyes of Allah. Hence, as far as possible, Muslims must try and offer qurbani on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha. Charity (Sadaqah-Khairat) or some social service cannot be a replacement for this deed of qurbani.
The Sharia Council advised, “the people upon whom the act of Qurbani is obligatory, if they are unable to offer it, despite their desire and requisite efforts due to governmental restrictions and other impediments, then they should try to get their Qurbani done at a different place. If this is not possible, then after the prescribed ‘days of sacrifice’, they should give charity (Sadaqah) to the poor, an amount equivalent to the cost of sacrifice.
The Sharia Council appealed Muslims to try to follow Islamic guidance and commandments, abiding by the law of the land and refrain from the sacrifice of those animals that are prohibitive from being slaughtered.
The Council said all precautionary measures should be exercised in view of the current pandemic situation regarding qurbani. “Do not offer the Qurbani on the roads, footpath and pathways. Kindly ensure the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene. Ensure that you bury the blood and entrails of the animal in the earth after the Qurbani or deliver it at the designated spot of garbage collection,” it added.
The Jamaat’s Sharia Council suggested that It would be appropriate to form a local committee, a few days ago of the festival that keeps an eye on the situation. It also remains in touch with the local administration and offers its support and cooperation towards maintaining law and order in the area.
The Sharia Council said: “On the day of Eid-al-Adha, namaz should be offered by adhering to the norms of social-distancing in Eidgahs and mosques. Muslims should offer the Eid-prayer at home in the same manner as they had done during Eid-ul-Fitr at places where the government has imposed restrictions due to COVID19.”
The Shariah Council has demanded that the state and central governments should offer all possible concessions to Muslims and provide security and protection against mischievous and anti-social elements during namaz and qurbani on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha.
“We hope Muslims will celebrate Eid-al-Adha with all the necessary precautions. We pray to Allah that He guides us to follow His way of life and grants us the grace to follow His Will,” it added.
