- By: Muhammad Asim Siddiqui
Eid al-Adha, a time of spiritual devotion, festivity, and collective sacrifice, is once again upon us. As Muslims around the world prepare for the sacred tradition of Qurbani (sacrifice), it is important to remember that the essence of Eid is not merely about slaughtering animals but about sacrificing personal desires in devotion to a higher purpose—a lesson deeply embedded in Sunnat-e-Ibrahimi (the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him).
During Eid, our cities are filled with the spirit of charity and sacrifice, but behind the joyous celebrations lies a dangerous oversight that many fail to recognize—an act of negligence that can threaten countless human lives.
- The Hidden Danger of Eid Sacrifice
Every year, we witness streets soaked in blood, with piles of animal remains, offal, and bones scattered across neighborhoods for days, creating health hazards for residents. While people fulfill the religious obligation, why do we often ignore the responsibility of cleanliness—which is, after all, a core part of Sunnat-e-Muhammadi (the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him)?
But beyond public sanitation, there exists an even graver threat—one that endangers air travel and puts lives at risk.
Following Eid al-Adha, airports and military air bases experience an alarming increase in animal waste disposal, including discarded meat, hides, and bones. These remains attract large birds like kites and vultures, which collide with airplanes and fighter jets, leading to catastrophic air accidents.
- How Bird Strikes Can Lead to Disasters
Have you ever considered the devastating impact of a bird strike on an aircraft? A commercial passenger jet travels at hundreds of kilometers per hour, while fighter jets fly at twice that speed. At such high velocities, a bird colliding with an aircraft can act like a bullet or missile, causing severe structural damage.
If a bird strikes an aircraft’s engine, it can result in complete engine failure, loss of balance, or even fatal crashes. If a bird hits the cockpit glass or critical flight controls, it can endanger the pilot’s life and compromise navigational systems. These collisions, seemingly trivial, pose immense risks, especially during takeoff and landing, when aircraft fly at lower altitudes over populated areas.
Every year, the Pakistan Air Force faces significant operational risks due to bird strikes. Military air bases and commercial airports are designated as sensitive air zones, and even a small oversight can lead to a major tragedy.
- Your Role in Preventing Air Disasters
Countries worldwide enforce strict laws and monitoring systems around airports to prevent bird hazards. As responsible citizens, we must take preventive measures to keep our surroundings clean, obey local regulations, and collaborate with municipal authorities to ensure a safe environment for aircraft operations.
- Here’s what you can do to help:
? Dispose of animal remains in designated locations or bury them properly. ? Avoid throwing waste near airports, air bases, or military zones. ? Refrain from dumping excess food, which attracts scavenger birds. ? Immediately report dead animals near airports to authorities.
By following these simple yet critical precautions, we can protect aircraft, save lives, and contribute to national security.
Let this Eid be a time of true sacrifice and responsibility—not just in fulfilling religious duties but in safeguarding human lives as well.