In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

We will be celebrating the Eid-al-Adha in a few days. An important worship of Eid al Adha is the sacrifice (qurbani). In the present circumstances, various questions are being raised regarding the sacrifice and Eid prayer because of the various governmental restrictions imposed due to COVID19/Coronavirus. The Shariah Council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind reflected on these questions and issued the following guidelines regarding the same. We hope due regard will be given to these guidelines.

1. Qurbani is a Sunnah of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) followed and also enjoined upon his Ummat (the Muslim community). Qurbani is not merely a ritual or a custom. It is stated in a Hadith that on the ‘days of sacrifice’, qurbani is the most cherished deed in the eyes of Allah. Hence, as far as possible, Muslims must try and offer qurbani on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha. Sadaqah-Khairat (charity) or some social service cannot become a replacement for this deed of qurbani.

2. The people upon whom the act of qurbani is obligatory, if they are unable to do the qurbani despite their desire and requisite efforts because of governmental restrictions and other impediments, then they should try to get their qurbani done at a different place. If this is not possible, then after the ‘days of sacrifice’, they should give sadaqah (charity) to the poor of an amount equivalent to the cost of sacrifice.

3. Try to follow the guidance and commandments of ‘Deen’ and ‘Shariah’ by remaining within the confines of the law of the land by refraining from the sacrifice of those animals that face legal restrictions from being slaughtered.

4. All precautionary measures must be exercised concerning qurbani in the light of the conditions due to the pandemic. Do not offer the qurbani on the roads, footpath and pathways. Kindly ensure the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene. Ensure that you bury the blood and entrails of the animal in the earth after the qurbani or deliver it at the designated spot of garbage collection.

5. It would be appropriate to form a committee before a few days of the Eid-al-Adha that keeps an eye on the situation and also remains in touch with the local administration and offers its support and cooperation towards maintaining law and order in the area.

6. On the day of Eid-al-Adha, namaz should be offered by adhering to the norms of social-distancing in Eidgahs and mosques. Muslims should offer the Eid-prayer at home in the same manner as they had done during Eid-ul-Fitr at places where the government has imposed restrictions due to COVID19.

Given the extraordinary importance of the qurbani and Eid prayer during Eid-al-Adha for Muslims, the Shariah Council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind demands that the State and Central governments should offer all possible concessions to Muslims and provide security and protection against mischievous and anti-social elements. We hope Muslims will celebrate Eid-al-Adha with all the necessary precautions. We pray to Allah that He guides us to follow His Deen and grants us the grace to follow His Will.

Issued by
Shariah Council – Jamaat-e-Islami Hind