Center for Protection of Freedom of Conscience and Religion: Gurban Bayrami is associated only with process of slaughtering sheep in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan will celebrate Gurban Bayrami (“Eid-al-Adha”, Festival of Sacrifice) at this weekend like all Muslim countries in memory of the sacrifice by  Prophet Abraham. How widespread Gurban Bayrami will be celebrated in Azerbaijan this year?

I am sure year Gurban Bayrami will be widely celebrated in Azerbaijan this year, too. Azerbaijani people celebrated this holiday even in Soviet times when the USSR proclaimed atheism. The number of population has increased which means a rise in number of Muslims. Therefore, more people will celebrate Gurban Bayrami this year. Unfortunately, philosophy of this Muslim holiday is still not implemented in Azerbaijan.

In other words, majority of country’s population does not understand the essence of Gurban Bayrami?

Against the background of increasing numbers of people celebrating Gurban Bayrami in Azerbaijan, there is no substantial improvement in understanding the essence of this holiday. I think one of the reasons for this state of affairs is that local television channels do not well explain essence of not only Gurban Bayrami, but also  other religious holidays to population.

I recently traveled to Brussels where I visited a Muslim quarter of the city. A month before the holiday, various posters reminiscent of the upcoming holiday as well as a large number of notes which explain essence of the Gurban Bayrami were hung in all cafes, on walls of various other institutions. Unfortunately, I have seen nothing like this in Azerbaijan.

To put it more simply, in most cases the "essence" of Gurban Bayra in Azerbaijan is only a need to slaughter sacrificial lamb?

The Gurban Bayram in widely celebrated in Azerbaijan only by slaughtering a lamb. In fact, Gurban Bayram celebrations include a number of other actions.

Celebration of the holiday begins early in the morning. Muslims go to the mosque for morning prayers. Before doing so, they are recommended to take a  bath, wear new and clean clothes and anoint themselves with incense. It is better not to eat before the prayers

At the end of the morning prayers Muslims return home. Later they again go to mosque or a special designated area where mullah or imam delivers a sermon. It usually begins with the glorification of Allah and his prophet, and they explains origin of Hajj and significance of the ritual of sacrifice.

After prayers, Muslims who are able to sacrifice do so by giving part of the meat to the population that is unable to regularly consume it. Consumption of food in Gurban Bayram is also a holiday. People also remember all the deceased relatives and friends. In addition, is it recommended to give gifts to children and create a holiday atmosphere in this day.

However, Gurban Bayrami is by and large associated only with process of slaughtering sheep, cattle congestion on the roads which leads to lack of hygiene.

It is right not only to raise price on mutton on the day of Gurban Bayrami and sell the meat but not give it?

It is sinful to sell meat of sacrificial animals. It is also sinful to raise prices on mutton on the day of Gurban Bayram which stems from a lack of understanding of essence of this holiday of people who do it.


/Day.Az/