LUCKNOW — As Eid-ul-Azha preparations gather momentum across India, prominent Muslim leaders and religious organisations have called for peaceful, law-abiding celebrations. The Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (JUH) and the Islamic Center of India (ICI) have issued strong appeals urging the community to observe the festival with full religious devotion while avoiding actions that could provoke tension or violate the law.
In a key meeting held at Madrasa Chiragia in Muzaffarnagar’s Amba Vihar, senior Muslim clerics gathered to discuss the upcoming festival. The meeting was chaired by Maulana Mukarram Qasmi, the Muzaffarnagar district president of JUH. Ulemas and officials from across the district attended, and the focus remained on peaceful celebration, social harmony, and spreading awareness among Muslims regarding banned animals and public display of sacrifices.
Maulana Mukarram Qasmi made a strong appeal to the Muslim community. “We must follow the law of the land. Banned animals should not be sacrificed under any circumstances,” he said. “We also request people to perform Qurbani behind closed curtains and avoid sharing any photos or videos of sacrifices on social media.”
He added that keeping the festival within Islamic limits and Indian law is a moral responsibility. “Religious freedom comes with responsibility. By respecting rules, we protect our faith and dignity,” he said.
The Maulana also emphasised the need to strengthen Muslim unity through organisation. “We must work on connecting people with our institutions. Only then can we deal with communal and political pressure,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Lucknow-based Islamic Center of India has launched a dedicated helpline service to assist people during Eid-ul-Azha. The helpline is aimed at answering religious queries and clarifying doubts about Qurbani, Haj, and Eid rituals. The support service is available via phone, WhatsApp, and email from 29 May to 10 June.
“The aim is to help people understand what is right and wrong in Islamic practice and stay safe from trouble,” said a spokesperson from the Islamic Center. “People going for Haj or those preparing for Eid can call to get authentic guidance.”
Sources say that the religious bodies are taking these steps seriously due to rising incidents of communal tension in different parts of Uttar Pradesh and other states. Some groups have targeted Muslims under the pretext of animal slaughter. The aim of these meetings and helplines is to protect the rights and dignity of Muslims while maintaining peace with all communities.
Local residents in Muzaffarnagar welcomed the move. “This guidance is timely. It’s better to follow rules and avoid unnecessary problems,” said 35-year-old trader Mohammad Saeed. “We should focus on the spirit of sacrifice and helping the poor, not showing off animals or meat.”
Organisers of the meeting also asked for support from local authorities. “Police and administration should take fair steps and stop those who try to disturb peace in the name of religion,” said another cleric. “The Muslim community is peaceful, but some elements are always looking for excuses to target us.”
Activists say such steps by the Muslim leadership are a sign of maturity and responsibility. “It’s the Muslim leaders who are calming their people and giving the right advice,” said Shabnam Parveen, a social worker in Muzaffarnagar. “The government must also act against those who want to spread hate through social media or mob violence.”
Religious leaders also warned against misuse of social media during Eid. “Avoid uploading videos of Qurbani. They are used by hatemongers to target us,” said Maulana Qasmi. “We are under watch. Anything can be taken out of context and used to spread hate.”
The clerics made it clear that protecting peace is more important than public display. “The purpose of Qurbani is not show-off. It is worship and humility,” said a scholar from the Islamic Center.
As the date for Eid-ul-Azha, 7 June, comes closer, markets are filling up with people buying animals and goods. But alongside the shopping, the mood among Muslim organisations is serious. There is a clear and repeated call: follow the rules, avoid trouble, and focus on the real meaning of the festival.
“This Eid should be remembered for unity, not conflict,” said a cleric from the JUH. “Let our sacrifices speak through helping the poor, not through flashy videos or public fights.”
