18:19, 30 July 2020

Muftiate of Chechnya toughens self-isolation measures in mosques on Eid al-Adha

Believers praying in the "Heart of Chechnya" Mosque in Grozny. Photo REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

This year, residents of Chechnya have noted a significant decrease of the trade in sacrificial animals on the eve of Eid al-Adha (Kurban-Bairam) holiday. During collective prayers in mosques, it is prescribed to observe social distance and the mask regime, the Chechen Muftiate has stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 29, the Chechen authorities tightened the quarantine due to the aggravation of the coronavirus situation. In particular, residents are prescribed to strictly observe the mask regime; violators thereof are fined.

On July 20, the Mufti of Chechnya, Salakh Mezhiev, announced that this year the first day of the Eid al-Adha holiday falls on July 31. The Eid al-Adha is a sacrifice holiday in memory of the decision of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. This is one of the two main Muslim holidays; it is marked 70 days after the Eid al-Fitr holiday and falls on the tenth day of the month of Zu al-Hijjah, which marks the end of the Hajj – the pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM, or Muftiate) of Chechnya has introduced restrictions on celebration of Eid al-Adha. In all mosques, the markings have been made so that worshipers keep their social distance during the collective prayer.

Some residents have not yet decided whether they will conduct the rite of sacrifice. "There is not enough money; because of the quarantine I was without work for more than three months. And the cattle, as far as I can judge, is expensive this year," said Khamzat.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 30, 2020 at 11:49 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Source: CK correspondent