Sacrifice, not slaughter: Anoushey lists do’s and don’ts on Eidul Azha

As Eidul Azha approaches, popular TV host Anoushey Ashraf has an important point to make. Taking to Instagram, the famous TV personality shared a picture with a goat, hoping her fans and followers would pay heed to her request. "Closing in on that time of the year where I always reach out to those on my Instagram urging them to care, respect and love their animal of sacrifice to the absolute fullest," she began.

Anoushey went on to point out a few things people should be wary about while celebrating Eidul Azha, "A few things; Please make sure to remember it’s a ‘sacrifice’ NOT ‘slaughter’ and it takes place in the most humane way possible. Don’t make children run the blade on the animal, please. The qasai (butcher) should be a thorough professional, if the animal experiences discomfort, pain and severe distress you’re doing it wrong,” she shared, adding, "The knives should be so sharp that the animal shouldn’t feel any pain. Don’t sacrifice one animal in front of the other. It induces severe anxiety in them."

She also made a request to not film the entire process. "Do not make videos and photos of the process. They’re not for the show, this occasion isn’t a show. Try and feel the pain of an innocent life lost." Anoushey continued, "Cry when they go, pray for their sacrifice and feel the pain of loss. Do not exhibit, compare and spend extravagant amounts of money to please Allah. He knows your need better than anyone. Be gentle with the animals, be kind. Love him. Clean up thoroughly after it’s done. Stop storing meat for yourselves, give and distribute the best of it first. Eat less meat through the rest of the year, please."

The VJ and TV host concluded, "Reflect on the meaning of sacrifice. Be humble about it. May Allah accept our sacrifices this year. The greatest nations are those that are kind to their animals. Many of them are our food, they fill our hungry bellies. They’re a big blessing. They provide nourishment to us. We have to respect them. We have to be thankful to them."