Eid-ul-Azha celebrated in 30 villages in Shariatpur without animal sacrifice

Followers of Shah Sureshwari (RA) Darbar Sharif celebrated Eid-ul-Azha on Friday (June 6) in at least 30 villages in six upazilas of Shariatpur district. They celebrate Eid-ul-Azha every year in line with Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia. However, this celebration is different from other Muslim communities – because they do not sacrifice animals.

The main Eid congregation was held at the Sureshwari Darbar Sharif ground in Naria upazila. Two congregations were held at 10 am and 10:30 am. Thousands of devout Muslims participated in it. After the prayers, the followers of Darbar Sharif shared the joy of Eid by serving fried khichuri, semai and sweets.

Pir Syed Touhidul Hossain Shaheen Noori, the head of Sureshwari Darbar Sharif, said that they celebrate all religious festivals including Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fitr in line with Saudi Arabia. He said, “We believe that the real significance of sacrifice is to get rid of the animality within ourselves—pride, jealousy, greed, etc. Sacrificing a cow or a goat is not the real sacrifice, but rather self-purification is our main goal.”

Pir Syed Kamal Noori, the head of Darbar Sharif, said, “Our Pir Baba Sureshwari (may Allah have mercy on him) has left a rule. According to that rule, we celebrate all religious festivals following the dates of Saudi Arabia.” He added, “This tradition has been with us for many years and we respect it properly.”

About 30,000 followers follow this rule and celebrate Eid every year under the leadership of Darbar Sharif. Although it is somewhat controversial locally, followers of the court believe that their Eid celebration is a part of spiritual development and religious philosophy.