As Eid-ul-Azha is fast approaching, it is time for us to sort out how the festival is to be celebrated this year in the circumstance of the spread of Covid 19 infections and the regulations that are being promulgated by local and state governments time and again to contain the spread of the virus. We should also have a broad consensus on performing the obligatory ‘qurbani’.
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As an outcome of an interaction among some members of IMPAR and views expressed by some ulemas and in the light of the latest orders issued by the State Governments of U.P and Karnataka with respect the pandemic, IMPAR is issuing the following guidelines for Eid-ulAzha.
- Eid-ul-Azha should be celebrated in a simple and austere manner.
- Namaz should be offered at home as it was performed at Eid-ul-Fitr. The Covid 19 cases have not decreased, but, on the contrary, have risen exponentially since then.
- Social and religious gathering/get-togethers at a common place should be cancelled. Instead, alternate medium like mobiles, computers and TV should be utilised for hosting such virtual events.
- Physical distancing of 2 meters should be strictly adhered to during unavoidablemeeting with family and friends.
- Utilize culturally and socially acceptable greeting methods that do not require physical contact.
- Avoid going to market places. In case it is essential then do not forget to wear the mask, maintain stipulated social distance and carry own sanitizer.
- Prefer e-commerce or online booking of required goods in place of visiting the markets. And in the instance of delivery of the merchandise, proper procedure of sanitization of the hands and packet should be followed.
- Avoid going to bakra mandis during rush hours. If bakra mandis become operational in your respective areas, please do ensure that they follow Covid safety and sanitary precautions and maintain social distancing. You could also explore possibility of online purchase of bakra as some organisations have started this procedure for sale/purchase of bakras.
- In case the local administration permits and you choose to do qurbani within or near about your place of resident, then do ensure that the waste matter is not littered on the roads and pavements or in the sewer. Furthermore, do not tie or feed the animal on the roadside causing inconvenience to wayfarers and nearby residents. It should be kept in mind that though qurbani is obligatory, causing inconvenience to others is forbidden.
10.We all know that there are buyers or claimants for almost every part of the slaughtered animal, so nothing is left over for our disposal. But if this year, some leftovers are there, then use waste management practices that are sustainable, like spraying ‘microbial culture’ for speedy decomposition and mitigation of foul smell.
11.In addition, cleaning drives for disposal of animal leftover in a hygienic manner could be conducted by volunteers of respective localities on Bakrid.
12.As Eid-ul-Azha this year will be during the monsoon, it is even more important to devise effective disposal of garbage as animal waste is likely to be become breeding ground of Aedes mosquitoes which are the primary vector of dengue.
13.Most importantly do not make the act of slaughter a spectacle; do not slaughter in highly populated areas nor on the streets or at other public places.
14.Slaughter of the animal should be done at a well designated place and at the hands of a person skilled in this trade.
15.Pesh Imams of nearby masjids and caretakers of madrasas can be approached for proper disposal of hides and distribution of meat portions for the needy. Most of them have volunteers who undertake such tasks.
16.Lastly avoid filming and sharing videos of the act of qurbani on social media.
Finally, it needs to be added that the Covid19 related ground realities are rapidly changing and no one is certain of what would be the circumstances on Eid-ul-Azha day. Therefore, the above given points should serve as guidelines as of now. If changes or modifications become necessary then common sense and a spirit of goodwill should be applied.
