For 2022, Eid Ul Adha, 10 Zil Hajj 1443 Hijri, the Islamic calendar, the day of commemoration to the Sacrifice of Abraham in the name of Allah, will be marked by a shortage of cattle in the market. The reasons have been many, including the debate over the price of meat per kilo which is being practiced at Rs 170, the Food and Mouth Disease detected, veterinary protocols among others, there has even been talk of an artificial shortage. Many have resorted to local livestock including sheep and goats. The only good news for this year is that the morning prayers, Salaat Ul Eid, will be able to be performed in greater numbers following the lifting of restrictions.
The situation around the shortage
There are reportedly around a thousand unsatisfied applicants. Both large and small importers have encountered several obstacles in the process. This year, Smart Turf & Sports Facility Ltd was unable to import by boat due to Food and Mouth Disease in South Africa and this, importer Moujaahiid Samoo, tells us, “we had a series of situations and we are short 1400 head which were supposed to come in two shipments one in April and one in May for the festival. The South African authorities informed them at the very last moment that a suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease was detected at the North West border, about 40 kilometres from where these animals were quarantined in Stella. Let’s just say the competition was lucky. However, he reassured that the meat market shortage will be resolved shortly.
Speaking at the press conference of the Socialist Movement Militant (MSM) at the Sun Trust building in Port Louis on Saturday 9 July, Maneesh Gobin, Minister of Agro-Industry, commented on the provisions for the celebration of Eid Ul Adha. He said: “We have a perception that there is not enough beef, that there is a shortage and that permits for the import of beef have not been given. However, a permit was granted to a person to import beef by boat or by plane. But he could not do so for several reasons. Another person imported about 5,400 oxen to meet the needs of those celebrating the festival.
Foot and mouth disease affecting imports
Foot and mouth disease was eventually reported to be the biggest problem affecting cattle imports. An official at the Mauritius Meat Authority said, “It is indeed the restrictions that have created this shortage in the meat market, affecting fellow Muslims for this festival which recommends livestock. But importing live animals, especially when disease is reported, requires a lengthy process, including testing, vaccinations and often quarantine in the country of origin as well as on arrival. Often the number of orders for departure is consequently reduced.
Socovia Belle Vue Ltée was able to put about 6,000 healthy cattle on the market for the festival, but this did not make up for the shortage. Muslims had to fall back on imported and local sheep and goats. “Livestock from Rodrigues was also compromised, affecting small importers who could have made up the shortfall. It is a pity but the protocols on veterinary restrictions due to foot and mouth disease cannot be taken lightly,” said Nissar Rammtoola, president of the Jummah Mosque.
Salaat Ul Eid by regions
Nissar Ramtoola also announced the times of the Salaat ul Eid for this Sunday, July 10, 10 Zil Hajj 1443 Hijri. Namely this day of celebrations depends on a legitimate observation of the moon, after the completion of the annual holy pilgrimage of Hajj.
Below is the table of Salaat Ul Eid by regions:
Symbolism of Eid Ul Adha
This festival is a symbol of devotion and love for Allah. It commemorates the greatest feast for the Muslim community, the Sacrifice of the Prophet Abraham and his obedience and devotion to the divine order. A test that the Lord made him pass by ordering him to sacrifice in his name, his long-awaited first-born son Ishmael, whom he had to conceive with his slave, Hagar, at the request of his wife, then called Saraï, due to her sterility.
Between sorrow, overwhelm but devotion, a sharp knife in his right hand, Abraham was about to proceed with the slaughter of his son, equally in allegiance, who had offered his throat, without any hesitation, in the name of Allah, seeing Abraham’s courageous act, Allah sent the angel Gabriel to replace Ishmael with a sheep to end this ordeal. He then respectfully slit the sheep’s throat, which implies the respectful slaughter of the chosen animal, which is not without strict conditions for practitioners.
No animal must be full! The sheep must be at least six months old, the goat two years old and so must any other bovine. No animal should be beaten or abused while lying on the ground or during the slaughter and the blade should be sharp enough to sacrifice the animal in only three strokes. This procession is usually done by an Imam or otherwise a professional hand, including a butcher. One animal must be used to perform seven equal parts. And each share must be divided equally into three distinct categories or recipients, the sharing to the poor, the sharing to neighbours and relatives regardless of their affiliation and the sharing to close family members.
