Muslim council discourages bovine sacrifice during Bakrid

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Jamiat Ulama, on Monday, appealed to the Muslims of the state to abstain from offering beef in sacrifice during the upcoming Eid-al Adha, as it has been banned, and as a mark of respect for the feelings of Hindus.

Speaking to media persons at a press conference in the Khadria mosque here on Monday, president of the Karnataka chapter of the council of Indian Muslim theologians Mufti Iftikar Ahmed Qasmi stressed on the need to exercise restraint while observing one’s religious practices.

“Please ensure that respect for the law of the land is not compromised while practicing religion. The Shariat has offered Muslims the choice of different animal species to sacrifice. Slaughter an animal the act of which does not upset your fellow countrymen. Let us set an example for others to follow. Karnataka could be a model state for the entire nation by doing so,” he said.

"The particular animal is being worshiped by the large community and is termed as gau mata (mother cow). In this context, it is not advisable to sacrifice the animal when there is already a law in place that prohibits its slaughter," Qasmi said.

The Mufti further asserted that Muslims cooperate with the sanitary department for the cleanliness drive during the festival. "Measures for cleaning the area should be undertaken without causing any trouble to anyone regarding hygiene," he said.