Mansooruddin Faridi / New Delhi

As the world is not yet out of the Covid pandemic, Muslims all over the world are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha, their second most important festival, in peace and with caution. The purpose is clear: Nothing is more important than the life of a human being.

The festivities may be scaled down due to the disease, but it’s important to note that  Islam has emphasized caution and also that there is no substitute for human life.

This point reiterated in the Hajj discourse that was translated in ten languages for a wider reach this year. The speech highlighted the advice of the Prophet of Islam for not going out of the area of the epidemic so that the infection doesn’t spread.  The message from Hajj was simple: keep yourself Nand others too safe.

How to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha and what precautions should be taken in such a situation?

 Awaz-the Voice spoke to eminent scholars on this to elicit their views. All of them urged Muslims to follow all government guidelines on the occasion of Bakrid in view of the pandemic. They also talked of taking care of fellow Indians and adhering to the law.

 Dr. Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid, says that every possible precaution should be taken on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha because the threat of the third wave of Corona is still looming over. Already due to these circumstances, this year’s Kanwar Yatra has been cancelled. Markets are being closed. Police and administration are engaged in monitoring it day and night. Muslims should respect the law. Nothing should be done that could vitiate the environment.

 Mufti Mukarram said we should also follow the government guidelines regarding Namaz on Eid-ul-Adha. Muslims should be very careful about sacrifice. It is better to go for Qurbani quietly. Care should be taken not to spread waste and to maintain cleanliness.

Renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Manzoor Zia has appealed to Muslims to respect the official guidelines and follow the instructions issued on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. Mufti Zia said that it is our religion to cooperate with the government.

He said that it is also the responsibility of the government to take care of the sentiments of Muslims. All the facilities should be available to them. The Maharashtra government allowed Muslims to sacrifice but did not specify the space for it.

Talking to Awaz-e-Voice, President of All India Muslim Advisory Council, Naveed Hamid said that getting rid of the epidemic is the responsibility of all. Therefore, Muslims must strictly follow the government guidelines, including for Namaz.

Naveed Hamid further said that Muslims should not give any chance to the mischievous elements to come to the fore. At the same time, the feelings of fellow Indians should be taken care of because this is the message of religion.