Hyderabad, June 4 (IANS) Mushtaq Malik, President of the Tahreek Muslim Shabban, has made a significant statement regarding Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s recent remarks on demands to declare the cow as the national animal and the issue of large animal sacrifices during Eid al-Adha (Bakrid). He said his organisation is seriously considering a proposal urging Muslims to refrain from sacrificing large animals.

Significantly, Tahreek Muslim Shabban is a socio-religious organization dedicated to uplifting Muslim communities through education and economic empowerment.

Mushtaq Malik said discussions on the matter will be held with various Muslim organisations, religious scholars (Ulema), and community representatives before a final decision is taken.

Referring to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s comments, Malik said that the religious and cultural beliefs of every individual and community deserve respect. He noted that if a section of society regards the cow as a mother, it is a matter of personal faith and belief, and such sentiments should be respected. According to him, referring to any being as a “mother” or “father” is rooted in personal belief and should not be a subject of objection or conflict.

At the same time, Malik alleged that incidents of violence and unlawful activities carried out in the name of cow protection have been reported from different parts of the country. He stated that disputes often arise over the transportation and trade of bulls, buffaloes, and other large animals, causing difficulties and financial losses for farmers and livestock traders.

He pointed out that many farmers depend on the sale of livestock for their livelihood and that a large number of these farmers belong to non-Muslim communities. However, he alleged that vehicles transporting animals are often stopped shortly after the sale is completed.

According to Malik, individuals identifying themselves as cow vigilantes, members of certain organizations, or self-styled protectors of cows are involved in such actions. He further claimed that these activities continue with the support or patronage of sections of the administration and government.

In light of these concerns, Malik said that his organisation is considering a proposal to completely avoid the sacrifice of large animals during Eid al-Adha this year. He clarified that no final decision has been made so far and that extensive consultations will be held with Muslim organisations, Ulema, and responsible members of the community before arriving at a conclusion.

He emphasized that while Qurbani (ritual sacrifice) is an important religious tradition in Islam, the sacrifice of any particular animal is not considered an obligatory religious requirement. Therefore, he said, there is room for discussion and deliberation on the issue.

Malik added that if a broad consensus emerges during the consultations, an appeal may be issued asking Muslims to refrain from sacrificing large animals during Bakrid. He said the final decision would be taken after carefully considering the interests of the community, prevailing social circumstances, and the need to maintain communal harmony and mutual respect among different sections of society.

–IANS

jk/rad