Hyderabad: Muslims urged not to ‘sacrifice’ cleanliness on Id-uz-Zuha

Hyderabad: A group of NGOs has been working for the last four years to create awareness to maintain cleanliness during the days when sacrifice is carried on the occasion of Id-uz-Zuha. The campaign by 15 NGOs has gained popularity in other states and more than 100 NGOs have joined it across the country.

Team Bakrid volunteers have started a massive campaign on social media ahead of Bakrid to ensure the celebrations go on in a hygienic manner.

Id-uz-Zuha sees a large number of animals, especially sheep and goat, being sacrificed to reflect Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismael. People previously used to dump entrails of the sacrificed animals on the roads, which raised unpleassant odour and caused various diseases.

Mr Ilyas Shamsi, president of the Reformers Front of India, had launched a drive in 2016 with the slogan “Id hamari safai ki zimedari hamari” (Ours is the Id, ours is the responsibility to maintain cleanliness) with 15 NGOs.

Team Bakrid creates awareness among the general public to avoid slaughtering of animals outside the houses and dumping the entrails and dung on the road.

Mr Shamsi said in Islam cleanliness is a part of imaan (faith). “We observed that during the Id many people dump the animal waste on the roads which is a baleful act and affects the neighbours. Islam insists that we respect and honour the neighbor and the rights of the neighbourhood are not meant for Muslims only. That’s why we are focusing on encouraging those who celebrate Bakrid to be more responsible by disposing of animal entrails after the ritual sacrifice in a hygienic manner. We are involving religious scholars to spread the message of cleanliness,” he said.

Mr Shamsi said. “In the previous years, we were fully support by the GHMC. The GHMC officials sent vehicles on our call to dispose of animal waste.” He feared it may not happen this year as GHMC workers are boycotting duties to protest the death of two employees at a garbage dump yard recently.

Volunteers of the NGOs will be active on the roads and streets to coordinate with the GHMC officials in the disposal of excrement.

Mr Mohammed Mansoor Ali, founder member of Team Bakrid, said, “We are touring the districts to involve people in the drive. Local people at many places who were attracted to the concept have started the campaign on their own.”

Mr Ali said the campaign has not only attracted Muslims, but also drawn the attention of non-Muslims and government officials especially civic and police authorities. “They are not only encouraging us, but also cooperating with us,” Mr Ali said.

Moulana Mohammed Abdur Raheem Khurram Jamai of Ahle Hadees appreciated the campaign launched by Team Bakrid and said every Muslim has a duty to keep their environment clean. He said. “If we neglect cleanliness, it will harm us as well.” he said and added that the message was being spread through mosques.

Traders wary of cow vigilantes

There is a 30 per cent drop in the cattle trade during Bakrid as the traders are scared of illegal snatching of permitted categories of cattle by anti-social elements and the strict enforcement by the police.

Estimates are that there are 15 lakh people offering animals like sheep, goats, camels and permitted varieties of cattle according to the Sharia laws on Id-uz-Zuha. During three days of sacrifice 6-7 lakh sheep or billy goats are sacrificed as also 2-3 lakh black buffaloes. Due to the prevailing political atmosphere, this year only sheep and goats are being procured for the ritual of sacrifice.

BJP MLA Raja Singh and his team have been roaming the streets checking the transportation of cattle in the city. He said, “We do not have any intention of disturbing the festival but will not allow slaughter of a cow or calf.”

Mr Muneer Qureshi, secretary, All India Jamiat ul Quraish, a representative body of butchers, said this year, many traders had avoided purchase of cattle. Due to legal action, butchers have to attend court and the procedure is very taxing.

Moulana Mohammed Zubair Qasmi, general secretary, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, said the police had issued directions not bring any cattle flouting norms from outside the state.

Majlis Bachao Tehreek spokesperson, Amjadullah Khan Khalid, said he was receiving complaints of seizure of cattle at various entry points by the police. Muslims have voluntarily avoided sacrificing cows but gau rakshaks and animal rights activists were creating hurdles in transporting buffalos. He advised Muslims not to purchase cattle without the certificate of the authorised veterinary doctor.