Wakfs Board prohibits slaughter of animals within mosque premises

By Ifham Nizam

The sacrificing of animals or Qurban has been prohibited within any mosque premises, Wakfs Board of Sri Lanka, the section of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs said.

Eid-ul-Adha is a celebration of animal sacrifice that Muslims perform to mark the end of the annual pilgrimage which happens during the 12th or last month of the Islamic calendar known as Dhul-Hija in Arabic.

Qurban is done on three consecutive days starting from the day of Eid-ul-Adha. However, mosque authorities said that in keeping with the laws of the country, sacrifice should be avoided on Poya days.

All trustees have been directed not to permit any slaughter of qurbani animals within any mosque premises countrywide, A. B. M. Ashraff, Director of Wakfs (MMCT), Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, said.

“We expect the boards of management of all mosques countrywide to adhere to the instructions”, he added.

Colombo’s Deputy Mayor, M. T. M. Iqbal said the Municipality will issue temporary permits to slaughter Qurbani animals to celebrate the Hajj Festival this year on July 21.

However, he said, permits will not be given to slaughter animals on Poya days.