Eid-ul-Adha 2025: Jama Masjid Naib Imam Urges Respectful and Private Observance of Sacrifices

Maulana Syed Shaban Bukhari appeals for hygiene, dignity, and communal harmony ahead of Eid celebrations; advises sacrifices to be done within private premises and away from public view.

New Delhi, June 4:
As the festival of Eid-ul-Adha approaches, the Naib Shahi Imam of Delhi’s historic Jama Masjid, Maulana Syed Shaban Bukhari, has issued a heartfelt appeal urging members of the Muslim community to conduct the sacred ritual of animal sacrifice in a dignified and responsible manner.

In an official message ahead of the festival, Maulana Bukhari called upon the community to ensure that sacrifices are performed strictly within private premises or designated enclosures, and not in public areas such as open grounds, streets, or roads. His appeal comes in the interest of maintaining public hygiene and upholding communal harmony.

“Islam is a religion of peace. It is our duty to demonstrate this through our conduct by ensuring that no one’s emotions are harmed,” Maulana Bukhari stated.

He strongly advised against photographing or filming the act of sacrifice, and firmly discouraged uploading such content on social media. “No act should hurt the sentiments or beliefs of fellow citizens,” he said, reminding people that religious obligations should not clash with civic responsibility.

Highlighting the spiritual importance of Eid-ul-Adha, Maulana Bukhari emphasized that sacrifice holds no substitute for those who are capable, but added that the ritual must be performed respectfully and lawfully. He noted that just as Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali are celebrated with dignity, so too should Eid-ul-Adha reflect respect and reverence.

“Islam teaches respect for all religions and urges followers to never hurt the sentiments of others,” the Naib Imam added.

The cleric’s advisory echoes a similar 12-point guideline issued by Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, Imam of Eidgah Lucknow, earlier this week. His advisory focused on maintaining cleanliness, respect for civic order, and proper disposal of animal remains. He also emphasized that the blood of sacrificed animals should not be drained into sewers but buried in soil so that it can nourish the environment.

Both religious leaders have called on the community to exercise restraint and sensitivity, especially in the age of social media, where visuals can quickly escalate into unnecessary controversies.

Eid-ul-Adha — also known as Bakr-Id or the Festival of Sacrifice — is expected to be celebrated on June 17 or 18 in India, depending on the lunar sighting. Observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, the festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.

The celebration involves morning prayers, animal sacrifice, and the distribution of meat among family, neighbors, and the underprivileged. It is marked with traditional fervor and is considered one of the holiest occasions in Islam, following Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

As the festival nears, religious authorities continue to urge all devotees to uphold the true spirit of Eid — sacrifice, compassion, cleanliness, and unity — and ensure that faith is practiced with grace and responsibility.