A COMMUNITY STATEMENT

 

As pilgrims concluded the rites of Hajj in Makkah, Muslims across the country brought alive the legacy of our patriarch Ibrahim AS, and the traditions of Nabī Muhammad SAW through Qurbānī (Udḥiyyah), as a culmination of the auspicious days of the month. The days of Eid-ul-Adhā ended on Tuesday, being the 13th of Dhū al Ḥijjah 1446, in South Africa.

 

The Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA) takes this opportunity in supplicating to Allah SWT to accept the pilgrimage of His guests in Makkah, and the devotions of all Muslims who upheld the Sunnah acts, particularly Udḥiyyah, during this period.

 

JUSA would also like to commend all Muslims who performed the sacrificial slaughter with the utmost consideration for animal welfare, in a manner befitting the practice of our faith traditions of excellence. Shaddad ibn Aws t reported: The Messenger of Allah SAW said:

 

“Verily, Allah has prescribed excellence in everything. If you have to kill, kill in the best manner. If you have to slaughter, slaughter in the best manner. Let one of you sharpen his knife, so his animal is spared of suffering.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

There have been some concerning reports reaching us where in certain instances, Qurbānī was not performed in the best of ways, as would have been expected. It is important that we reflect upon, and rectify such practices that have a potential of creating circumstances that, in future, Allah forbid, would invite unnecessary scrutiny and restrictions upon ourselves.

 

Through programmes of education, awareness and stakeholder engagement, JUSA shall, in-shā-Allah, remain committed to the conducting of Qurbānī in a manner that religious precepts, ethical considerations and logistical arrangements, translate into best standards of animal welfare, public safety and hygiene.

 

May Allah SWT guide us, and keep us steadfast upon that which He loves. Āmīn.

 

Released by:

 

The Executive Committee
Jamiatul Ulama South Africa

 

14 Dhū al Ḥijjah 1446 / 11 June 2025