Qurbani delivery

Letter June 20, 2021
Not many realise that last year Eid ul-Adha was celebrated rather differently due to the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic

KARACHI:

Not many realise that last year Eid ul-Adha was celebrated rather differently due to the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it seems that this year’s Eid too will be celebrated under restrictions or a possible lockdown. This is because there is a fear that coronavirus cases might spike as a result of Eid gatherings. This time around, one may however like to think that the government has had enough time to prepare.

It is hoped that the setting up of small cattle markets within cities and the slaughtering of animals in open spaces is strictly prohibited. Besides, people should also get themselves vaccinated before visiting cattle markets to celebrate the occasion peacefully. Muslims typically purchase their favourite animals and have them sacrificed themselves. However, considering the current conditions, this may not be the ideal way.

Through the rise of online businesses, the pandemic has also opened doors for qurbani services to customers at their doorsteps. Various websites in Pakistan offer online purchasing services, letting customers select animals for qurbani delivery. Indeed, online purchase will be a feasible alternative during the existing health crises. In addition, people can also have their animals slaughtered and the meat delivered to them through these online platforms as well, rather than getting their hands dirty.

Encouraging people to engage in this practice will help lessen the crowds in cattle markets, thereby facilitating movement control measures. Thus, more people must opt to perform qurbani through online platforms.

Quratulain Siddiqui

Karachi

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20h, 2021.

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