26/05/2026
Emphasizing Taqwa and Social Responsibility: M***i Mohammad Sultan Qasmi Outlines Guidelines for Eid-ul-Adha and Qurbani
SRINAGAR β As the auspicious days of Zil-Hajj approach, noted Islamic scholar M***i Mohammad Sultan Qasmi has issued a comprehensive guidance statement emphasizing the true spirit of Eid-ul-Adha, the philosophy of Qurbani (sacrifice), and the critical need for civic consciousness and social responsibility during the festivities.
The True Spirit of Sacrifice: Taqwa Over Ritual
M***i Sultan Qasmi highlighted that understanding the temperament of Shariat (Islamic law) and aligning with the will of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is essential for completing Eid obligations. He reminded the faithful that performing the two-rakat Eid prayer with proper takbeeraat, participating in the Ayyam-e-Tashreeq (days of recitation), and audibly reciting the praises of Allah after every mandatory prayer are foundational duties.
Delving into the philosophy of Qurbani, M***i Qasmi cited the Quranic verse: βLanyanalallaha luhumuha wala dimauha walakinyanaluhu attaqwa minkumβ (It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety/taqwa that reaches Him).
"Allah does not demand the meat, blood, or skin of the animal," M***i Qasmi stated. "What is truly required is Taqwaβpiety, righteousness, and absolute obedience to divine commands. Qurbani is a means to instill humility, break the ego, and rectify one's character". He drew parallels to the verses of Nikah selected by the Prophet (PBUH), noting that they repeatedly command believers to maintain Taqwa, proving it to be the foundation of all righteous actions.
Civic Consciousness and Public Convenience
A major portion of the sermon was dedicated to environmental cleanliness and maintaining public convenience. M***i Qasmi strictly cautioned against actions that cause distress to neighbors, the poor, or the general public.
β’ Proper Disposal of Waste: He condemned the practice of throwing animal carcasses, blood, leftover meat, and offal onto streets, open spaces, or into drainage systems. "Allowing meat to rot on the roads, creating foul odors and unhygienic conditions, is a grave injustice, a moral degradation, and completely contradicts the essence of Taqwa," he warned.
β’ Handling of Animal Hides: Despite the current decline in the market value of animal hides, M***i Qasmi reminded the public that hides are a vital part of the economy. He urged people to collect and deliver them to designated places and proper charitable avenues rather than discarding them carelessly on public roads.
β’ Fulfilling the Rights of the Road: He stressed that as Muslims and as human beings, it is an obligation to safeguard the neighborhood and public spaces from any form of nuisance, ensuring that our acts of worship do not become a source of torment for others.
Replicating the Prophetic Tradition of Inclusivity
Reflecting on history, M***i Qasmi noted that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Sahaba (companions), and Hazrat Ali (RA) performed sacrifices every year, driven by pure devotion rather than merely checking financial thresholds (Sahib-e-Nisab). True sacrifice requires an individual to bring patience (Sabr) and gratitude (Shukr) into their daily life.
Call for Charity, Sobriety, and Care for the Underprivileged
M***i Mohammad Sultan Qasmi explicitly stated that it is compulsory for every believer to celebrate Eid with truthfulness, sincerity, and compassion. He called upon the community to:
β’ Actively care for neighbors (Hamsaygan), the destitute (Mohtaj), and the poor (Gareeb), ensuring that the meat of the sacrifice is justly distributed to those who are genuinely deserving.
β’ Maintain a close eye on their surroundings to assist anyone in distress.
β’ Completely avoid extravagance (Fazool kharchi) and wasteful spending on luxury display, urging the public to confine their expenditure strictly to what is lawful (Halal) and necessary.
Concluding his message, M***i Qasmi prayed for the global Muslim community: "May Allah accept our sacrifices, grant us the true understanding of Taqwa, and give us the capability to fulfill our religious and social duties under the correct guidelines of Islam. Ameen".
M***I MOHAMMAD SULTAN QASMI
GRAND M***I SIRAJ UL ULOOM
MEMBER OF FIT INDIA ACADEMY
| The Focus Kashmir
