Health precautions in focus as Kurdistan Region prepares for Eid al-Adha

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – As this year's Eid al-Adha approaches, tens of thousands of animals are expected to be sacrificed across the Kurdistan Region. Authorities have implemented stringent measures to ensure the safe and sanitary disposal of animal waste to protect public health.

Special monitoring teams have been deployed to prevent the dumping of sacrificial animal waste in cities and towns, which could pose significant health risks to citizens. Violators will face strict penalties.

Tomorrow marks the first day of Eid al-Adha, and many residents have been preparing by purchasing sacrificial animals from local ranches. The Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources has issued several guidelines to ensure that sacrifices are conducted hygienically and without causing public nuisance.

Baker Bayiz, the mayor of Pishdar, emphasized the importance of adhering to these guidelines.

Speaking to Kurdistan24 correspondent Aras Amin, he said, "All preparations have been made here in the abattoir; there are both veterinarians and butchers. It is better for citizens to slaughter their animals in the abattoir as much as possible. Legal action will be taken against anyone who violates the regulations through the police, security forces, and the Asayish."

Sacrifice is a significant religious practice (Sunnah) in Islam, intended to please Allah. However, religious leaders caution that sacrifices must not cause public health issues. If they do, the charitable nature of the act is compromised.

Hiwa Qadir, director of the Pishdar Endowment, stated, "Sacrifice is a Sunnah, and some religious scholars say it should be obligatory every year. But if the sacrifice causes health issues, it reduces the charitable aspect of the Sunnah, as mentioned in Sharia Law."

Given the Kurdistan Region's Muslim-majority population, a substantial number of animals will be sacrificed during Eid al-Adha. With the recent threat of hemorrhagic fever and related fatalities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, authorities urge citizens to conduct their sacrifices in a sanitary manner and utilize abattoirs.

By following these precautions, the Kurdistan Regional Government aims to ensure that the traditions of Eid al-Adha are observed safely and respectfully.