Eid ul Azha is the most sacred event that is celebrated among the Muslim community all over the world. The eid is celebrated on the 10th of Zil Hajj as a remembrance of the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim A.S and Hazrat Ismail A.S. The sacrifice of cattle on this day reminds us of the great sacrifice they made in the name of Almighty.

Every year Muslims celebrate this eid with great zeal and zest but this year has been different in so many aspects. The significant and crucial aspect being COVID-19, which is the reason for all other problems. Amid COVID-19, it is so tough rather near to impossible to get together and celebrate such events as we have been advised to maintain social distancing to ensure the safety of everyone.

Eid ul Azha is the synonym of animal sacrifices. Animal sacrifice is the synonym for cattle markets and that means crowded places, a large number of animals, and people at one place that is truly a negation of all the SOPs that are to be followed by everyone to stay safe in this pandemic.

Does the question arise that if there are so many hurdles then how come will we be able to offer sacrifices on this eid?

President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi has directed the people of the nation to opt for collective sacrifices to avoid any ill-timed circumstances. The sacrifice of animals individually may increase the risks of the spread of viruses rapidly. Collective sacrifices shall lower these chances.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has advised following strict SOPs in cattle markets and altars as well to avoid any unfortunate happening afterward.

National Institute of Health has said that there is a huge risk of spreading the virus because of cattle markets as the rate of interaction shall be increased. They have advised following the steps mentioned below to ensure the safety

It is said that if the public won’t follow the SOPs, there’s a higher risk of a more severe outbreak of the pandemic in the country.

We know that none of us is habitual of celebrating these sacred religious events this way but the time demands to celebrate eid more simply as advised by PM. Not only because of safety but also because several people have lost their loved ones to this pandemic and we as a nation share their loss. We know what they must have gone through. We must console them by not overdoing everything, be it a celebration or anything else. The whole world is suffering severely. We need to be low-key to be empathetic.

We request everyone to follow the SOPs strictly. These SOPs are made for you so that you stay safe. We want everyone to stay safe as coronavirus is a deadly disease. We want everyone to stay healthy and celebrate many more events with their families.

Do follow all the SOPs as directed by the government of Pakistan and celebrate the eid simply, indoors.

We wish a very happy Eid ul Azha to everyone, in advance.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy.