Muslim Views, July 2020

AN EID OF SACRIFICE AS COVID-19 RAGES ON

ALONG with qurbani, Muslims throughout the world are urged to make a different kind of sacrifice this year – that of social distancing. As the COVID-19 infection rate continues to rise and more and more deaths are recorded in South Africa and the rest of the world, Muslims are reminded that this Eid-ul-Adha is as different as was Eid-ul-Fitr, earlier this year. It would appear, though, that the social nature of Muslims, especially in Cape Town, is blinding us to the potential fatal effect of COVID-19. We have become weary of the extended lockdown restrictions and we are tempted to just for once, just for a moment, forget the restrictions and wish each other well with a hug on this sacred day of sacrifice. However, we urge our readers to resist the inclination to hug our families and friends on these sacred days and to view this social distancing as another aspect of sacrifice for the love of all those who are dear to us – especially the aged and those with comorbidities. Eid mubarak!