The Chief imam of the Zhetysu district of Almaty urged citizens to avoid crowds on Kurban Ait
The chief imam of the "Ali Mohammed" mosque of the Zhetysu district of Almaty, Kanatali Takirov, explained the meaning of Kurban Ait and spoke about the format of the holiday during the quarantine period.
In addition, Muslims around the world were sympathetic to the restrictions imposed. Kanatali Takirov spoke in detail about the Kurban Ait holiday.
Recall, that due to the increase in the incidence of coronavirus infection in Almaty, all events to celebrate Kurban Ait will be held online. In his interview, the chief imam of the Ali Mohammed mosque of the Zhetysu district, Kanatali Takirov, appealed to believers to observe security measures related to the pandemic, noting that religion requires the health of both an individual and the whole society.
“There are two holy holidays in Islam - Eid al-Adha, which we are waiting for, and Oraza Ait, celebrated during the fast of Ramadan. The holiday of Eid al-Adha is sacred because it began with the prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him. He showed obedience to Allah by agreeing to sacrifice his son. However, Allah Almighty sent a sacrificial ram to the earth. We repeat this Sunnah and the good path, ”the imam explained the history of the significant holiday.
The word "qurban" means "to come closer", "to be closer". As a religious term, it means the sacrifice of an animal at a specific time with the intention of worshiping Allah Almighty. Eid al-Adha is celebrated during the first 10 days of the month of Zul-Hijja. In accordance with the official calendar of Islamic holidays of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Kazakhstan, Kurban Ait falls on July 20-21-22 this year.
According to Kanatali Takirov, according to the Hanafi madhhab, sacrifice is wajib, that is, mandatory.
“The Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him, said:“ Whoever makes a sacrifice, with a drop of blood all sins will be forgiven. And the sacrificed animal will help him on the day of judgment, ”said the chief imam of the mosque of the Zhetysu region.
“For the same reasons, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan launched a website qurban2021.kz, with the help of which believers will be able to remotely donate livestock for the benefit of those in need. Applications are accepted until 14.00 on July 22, ”K. Takirov said.
Speaking about the holiday, Kanatali Takirov said that this year, due to the pandemic, Ait-namaz was canceled, as well as sacrifices in the mosques of Almaty.
Last year, over 1,100 small livestock and 50 cattle were sacrificed during the quarantine period. Applications are already coming in on about the same scale. The final data will be announced later.
The sacrificial meat will be distributed among families in need and sent to government institutions such as orphanages, nursing homes. Last year, about 5,500 people received the meat of sacrificial animals.
“Yes, many have doubts, but they are groundless. During the Eid al-Adha, it is envisaged to conduct a sacrifice, authorizing the second person, this is in the Sharia. For example, if a person is on a business trip in a remote city. If he cannot carry out the sacrifice there, then he can authorize a trusted person to conduct the ceremony in the city of Almaty. This is what the online sacrifice is based on because of the pandemic, ”K. Takirov explained.
The chief imam of the "Ali Muhammad" mosque said that believers should not worry about the remote format of the sacrifice. So, as according to religion it is permissible.
The qurban2021.kz website, in turn, will become a link between the benefactor and those in need. Customers will be sent a full video report of the ceremony.
Kanatali Takirov, continuing to talk about the rituals and rules of the celebration, added that the sacrifice is mandatory for all capable Muslims who have a minimum income equivalent to the cost of 85 grams of gold, which as of 2021 is 1 230 000 tenge.
All this is thought out so as not to create crowds of people in places of slaughter. You can learn more about the recommendations on the same website. “All meat will be distributed to families in need. It will be transported by representatives of the clergy, imams. Last year, volunteers provided assistance, this year volunteers are also ready to assist in the delivery of meat, ”explained the chief imam of the Zhetysu district mosque.
“If a Muslim has property, a house, a vehicle, then the Sharia obliges him to make a sacrifice. If possible, he should sacrifice cattle or limit himself to one ram. It should be understood that the main meaning of Kurban Ait is the formation of mercy, generosity and responsiveness among believers, ”the priest explained.
We add that the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of the city of Almaty supports the vaccination campaign and conducts conversations with parishioners on this topic.
Kanatali Takirov clarified that there is no compulsion, but if believers have the opportunity, you can use the capabilities of a special site and take part in the sacrifice without leaving your home, especially since this holiday is very much awaited by those in need.
In conclusion, Kanatali Takirov called on all believers to limit their movements, not to visit, not to hold public events, observe sanitary standards and hold prayers at home.