All India Pasmanda Ulema Board recommends alternative animals for qurbani; cow slaughter risks unrest
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New Delhi: The All India Pasmanda Ulema Board on Sunday urged Muslims to avoid slaughtering cows for Eid ul Azha (Bakrid), citing legal restrictions and the risk of communal unrest.
Responding to a query about permissible animals for sacrifice, AIPUB chief Ubaidullah Qasmi said that while qurbani is an act of worship and cows are allowed under Sharia, prudence requires alternatives where law or public order is at risk. “In situations where there exists a legal prohibition imposed by the government, and where performing such a sacrifice carries the risk of inciting unrest, riots, threats to the lives and property of Muslims, or communal tension, then in compliance with the law, performing the sacrifice using other permissible animals is the course of action that aligns most closely with wisdom and prudence,” he said.
The board advised that, in situations with legal restrictions or fears of disturbance, Muslims should refrain from offering cows and instead use other animals permitted for sacrifice.
Muslims worldwide observe qurbani — where an animal is slaughtered in accordance with local laws — as a symbol of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to offer his son Ismael in obedience to God.
(Inputs from PTI)