Amid unease, imams urge devotees to offer qurbani following govt rules

Kolkata: Amid a growing unease ahead of the festival of Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, set to be observed in the last week of May, Muslim intellectuals and religious figures across Kolkata have urged the community to follow all legal guidelines on animal sacrifice after the newly elected BJP govt in Bengal reiterated existing curbs on cattle slaughter through a public notice issued last week.The state govt notification cited provisions of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, along with a 2018 Calcutta High Court order, stating that cattle cannot be slaughtered without valid certification declaring the animal fit for slaughter under the law. The order specified that certification could only be jointly issued by the chairman of a municipality or the sabhapati of a panchayat samiti, along with a govt veterinary surgeon.The notification further stated that authorities must be satisfied that the animal was either over 14 years of age for work or breeding purposes, or became permanently incapacitated because of age, injury, deformity or incurable disease.After the govt notification, several Muslim organisations, clerics and community figures have appealed to people to avoid sacrificing cows or cattle during the festival and instead opt for goats or sheep in accordance with legal requirements."The Muslim community must perform sacrifice strictly within the framework of the law. We should work in coordination with the new govt and avoid any confrontation over the issue," said Abdul Aziz, secretary of the Milli Ettehad Parishad. "Islam permits the sacrifice of several animals during Bakrid. People can choose goats or sheep while observing the religious ritual. At the same time, we expect administration to ensure equal treatment of all citizens without discrimination."Maulana Shafique Qasmi of Nakhoda Mosque said the Muslim community should comply with the provisions laid down by the govt while also seeking administrative measures that would help people carry out the ritual smoothly. "The govt has clarified that sacrifice must take place according to the 1950 law, and we respect that position," said Qasmi. "There are other animals that can be sacrificed during Bakrid, including goats and sheep. At the same time, cattle traders and those dependent on the trade could face economic losses if there are curbs on sale and movement. We hope the govt will examine ways to make the process easier within legal framework."Maulana Shabbir Misbahi, imam of the Royd Street Mosque, also appealed to residents to follow official regulations during the festival. "As responsible Indian Muslims, we must observe the ritual of sacrifice while remaining within the ambit of the law," said Misbahi. "I request people across Bengal to follow all govt guidelines."Online campaigns urging Muslims to choose goats and sheep for qurbani this year also gathered momentum in recent days. Azhar Khan, a businessman from central Kolkata associated with one such campaign, said Islamic tradition allows for a range of animals to be sacrificed. "There is no compulsory requirement that only cows must be sacrificed," said Khan. "Islam provides a wider list of animals that may be offered for qurbani. People should follow the law and ensure the festival is observed peacefully."