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    Eid-ul-Adha in Quarantine

    Written by: Staff Report
    Posted on: July 31, 2020 | | 中文

    Goats at the Cattlemarket (photocredits to arabnews.pk)

    Muslims all over the world look forward to the Eid holidays when families reunite, and marketplaces are lit with lights and buzzing with shoppers. However, this Eid will be celebrated differently, with respect to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But given the recent developments in COVID cases in Pakistan, it is more vital than ever to observe SOPs and to celebrate Eid responsibly.

    Eid-ul-Adha (also known as ‘Big Eid’ or ‘The Eid of Sacrifice’) is one of the two major Muslim holidays celebrated during the Islamic year, taking place on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Zu al-Hajj. It commemorates the Prophet Abraham (AS)’s sacrifice of his son for God, and how God sent a lamb in his son’s place. Since then, Muslims annually sacrifice certain animals, in memory of the Prophet Abraham (AS)’s commitment to the word of God. The day also coincides with the Hajj or ‘annual pilgrimage’, which takes place in Mecca and is one of the five tenets of the Islamic faith. While Eid-ul-Fitr is focused on reward, Eid-ul-Adha is about ritual, sacrifice, giving up parts of oneself for one’s belief and the greater good.

    A Child Wearing a Mask Puts Up Eid Decorations

    The morning begins with Eid prayers, followed by the sacrifice of the animal. Right after, the sacrificed meat is divided into three portions for oneself, one’s friends and relatives, and the poor and needy. Meat-centric dishes are prepared in large quantities, to be distributed generously amongst friends, neighbors and communities. Children and families dress up for the occasion, as they get together to eat and spend time with each other during the holidays.

    Eid is not just a cultural and religious holiday, but an important economic event in the country, from which many earn significant portions of their income. According to Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectual’s Forum, in 2018 alone, economic activities relating to the sacrifice of animals around Eid amounted to Rs. 335 billion, with butchers earning Rs. 26 billion, and animal hides amounting to Rs. 10 billion. This, along with the purchase of clothes and accessories for Eid, only spur on the economic activity. The income made at this time is particularly vital for people from rural areas, who bring cattle to the marketplace to make a living.

    Cattle Sellers Waiting for Customers at the Market (photo credits to Andolu Agency)

    This is our second Eid during lockdown due to the ongoing pandemic, and due to fears of the virus spreading, it will be another holiday away from loved ones, and gatherings. Although this does not mean that these religious obligations are cancelled, rituals and celebrations will be held in a more restrained fashion. Even Hajj is not immune to social distancing measures; it is estimated that only a thousand pilgrims are performing Hajj, as opposed to the usual 2.5 million who venture to the holy cities.

    Hajj 2020 with Social Distancing Measures (photo credits to CNN)

    As the official number of COVID cases in Pakistan steadily decrease, there is hope that the country will successfully flatten its curve, and return to normal circumstances in the near future. But there is also fear of a new spike, due to unchecked Eid preparations and festivities. At this critical juncture, UN representatives have urged Pakistan to continue practicing caution and quarantine. Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked citizens to abstain from gathering in large numbers, especially with the news that SOPs are not being met in the cattle markets.

    While readers celebrate their Eid in quarantine, there are ways in which they can continue their traditions, and benefit their community from home. Online purchasing of animals and sacrifice on people’s behalf, are new yet effective ways to make sure all obligations are fulfilled. Charities like Shaukat Khanum, Akhuwat and other local organizations can take donated hides, and sell them appropriately.

    A Bull Adorned with Decoration at a Cattle Market in Karachi (photo credits to Reuters_Akhtar Soomro)

    At this point, it is wise to remind readers to adhere to social distance protocols and refrain from sacrificing animals on the streets/roads. Livestock markets and butchers should be given designated spaces to perform the annual rituals. Moreover, there must be a brief period of close observation of makeshift marketplaces of cattle, in order to prevent new outbreaks of the virus following the holiday.

    While this is no easy feat to accomplish for the government, following SOPs should be seen as every individual’s responsibility and in the spirit of sacrificing personal benefits for the greater good of society. Team Youlin wishes our readers in Pakistan, China and beyond a very happy and safe Eid.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021