Hyderabad: The Arab Gouraksha Dal, a cow protection committee comprising a some people from the Arab neighbourhood of Barkas is showing a way to Muslims to avoid sacrificing cows during Bakrid. Mr Abdullah Bin Ali Alhaj Bahmaid, an advocate, formed the Arab Gouraksha Dal, in 2015 and it is creating awareness among Muslims about stopping cow sacrifice during Eid-ul-Adha.
“Cow sacrifice is now a political issue. But I am not into politics. I am only explaining the benefits of the cow and why we have to protect it,” says Mr Abdullah. The man started his efforts in 2015 during Eid ul Adha. “Initially, people did not heed my message and a few though I had gone mad. But today Muslim scholars themselves are asking people to avoid cow/bull sacrifice,” Mr Abdullah said.
He says that his group does not acknowledge the violence connected with cow protection. He advised Gau Rakshaks to adopt peaceful ways to spread their message. Every year during Bakrid Mr Abdullah organises street meetings. The group also visited local Madrasas to seek the support of religious leaders. “NRIs in the Middle East have also extended their support,” he says. In the last three years Abdullah claims to have successfully convinced cattle traders not to bring cows and calves during the Bakrid season. In two months the group claims to have successfully ‘convinced’ 20 beef shop owners in the neighbourhood.
