Bakra Eid 2020 is right around the corner. Every Muslim is excited about this auspicious occasion. Every year kids love walking the sacrificial animals all around the block multiple times a day, spending hours on end patting them, and making them feel at home. Not to mention feeding them all sorts of yummy treats from mango slices, pulses to leaves.
The sacrificial animal is adored by all and the joy of having one in your house is unbeatable. However, this year is going to be a little different due to the coronavirus pandemic. The new norm will be a little tough to navigate around, especially since it can also get quite hectic during Eid al-Adha. Fear not, we have got you covered.
In this article, we will discuss how you and your loved ones can stay safe and hygienic before the animal sacrifice in Islam, during and after it. Be sure to share it with those you care, so they can all benefit too.
Importance of Hand Washing
Whether you have a sheep, cow, camel, or goat, it is good practice to wash hands before feeding your sacrificial animal. This will prevent the animal from getting any germs from you. After all, you do not want your animal to get sick, as a sick animal cannot be sacrificed.
Be sure the animal feed is clean and nicely washed, free of dirt and grime. Always serve feed in clean bowls and make sure there is plenty of clean drinking water for your animal. Summers in Pakistan can get sweltering hot, so keep filling the water bowl every hour to prevent your animal from dehydrating.
When you and your little ones have finished playing with the animal, head indoors straight to the sink and wash your hands with a top-quality liquid hand wash such as Herbion Neem Hand Wash. This plant-derived Hand Wash contains Neem, which is rich in antibacterial properties that protect against disease-causing microbes.
The skin-friendly formula has Aloe Vera and Glycerin, which cleans the skin while retaining its natural softness. Suitable for all skin types, this liquid Hand Wash is ideal for the whole family.
The CDC recommends washing your hands thoroughly as one of the effective ways of avoiding the coronavirus pandemic. Wet both your hands, pump Herbion Neem Hand Wash into hands, lather well, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Little children are often in a hurry and do not wash their hands properly, therefore teach them to sing Happy Birthday twice, while scrubbing in between the fingers and behind the nails. When done, rinse off with water and pat dry with a towel.
Practice Social Distancing
If you hire a butcher at home, be sure to gear up properly. Get the best mask to wear for COVID-19, wear gloves, and sit at least 6 feet away. In case the butcher is not wearing protective gear, provide some for him and his helper, if he has any. Also, ask him to wash his hands before starting the sacrifice, and once it is complete advise him to wash his hands again.
Since the sacrifice takes time, as a sign of hospitality, when you serve water or tea and biscuits to the butcher, we recommend you use biodegradable disposable paper cups and plates. Using disposable utensils allows you to throw them away immediately, without the risk of contaminating other utensils or dishwashing sponge. Not to mention you save time by not having to wash dishes.
Hand Washing Time Before and After Handling Meat
Once all is said and done, collect meat in clean containers and cover them with lids to avoid houseflies, pets, or stray cats from touching the meat. Before manhandling the meat into bags for distribution among people, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with liquid hand wash. Put on a fresh pair of gloves and then begin the task.
Cleanliness and Hygiene Etiquette
After the sacrifice, you need to take full responsibility for cleaning the rubber mat used in the process, ground, and the street in front of your house. Yes, that is correct. Too many homeowners act irresponsibly and flow all the blood along with unwanted parts of the animal, such as fat, outside their home, and on the street or in front of their neighbors’ gates.
This practice is rude, unhygienic, and uncalled for. Instead, clean up yourself or hire help to do it. Dispose of fat, carcass, the skin of the animal, and any other unwanted parts properly in a dumpster. Wash the ground not only with water but also with a good quality disinfectant that eliminates germs properly. We are living in times where we cannot afford to take any more risks, therefore maintaining hygiene is the best practice.
Follow Standard Operating Procedure Guidelines
Be sure to follow SOPs set by the Government for your safety. While driving around town delivering meat, be sure to carry the best hand sanitizer with you. We recommend trying Herbion Instant Hand Sanitizer. It contains 70% ethyl alcohol that kills 99.99% germs. The gentle formula is mildly scented and helps retain the skin’s natural softness.
Pour a dime-size amount in your palms and rub your hands together. Let it dry completely. The affordable price of Hand Sanitizer and pocket-friendly size make it a must-have. Head over to Daraz Online Shopping to place your order.
Hire Animals Slaughterhouse
We hear you, getting a job done at home will ensure absolute transparency and help you get the meat chopped up according to your preference. However, if you travel to the mandi, marketplace, to select your sacrificial animal, which is surrounded by numerous vendors, buyers, and other animals in questionable sanitization, you will be putting yourself and your family at direct risk of getting COVID-19.
Therefore, this year consider hiring a slaughterhouse. The process is hassle-free, you pay them, they give you a time and date along with a coupon for you to collect and that is it. You do not have to come in contact with the butcher or watch him cut and slice meat either.
However, if you do call the butcher at home, be sure to mention the above-mentioned hygiene practices to stay safe and healthy.
