2024-06-20 09:00:03
In Pune, a group of Muslims celebrated Eid Al-Adha on Monday in a unique way by signing resolutions to donate their organs and bodies after death.
Their gesture came in response to an appeal made by the Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal (MSM) — founded by noted social reformer Hamid Dalwai on March 22, 1970 for the development of modern scientific approaches, promoting democratic values and nationalism in the Muslim community.
For the last 15 years, the MSM has held blood donation camps on Eid Al-Adha, appealing to Muslims to donate blood instead of sacrificing animals.
Starting a new initiative this year, the MSM, at a programme held in the Rashtra Seva Dal premises, appealed to Muslims to not only donate blood but also sign resolutions to donate their organs and bodies after death.
Shrirupa Bagwan signing a resolution to donate her organs and body after death at the Bakri Eid program organised by the Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal in Pune (Express Photo by Chandan Haygunde)
Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS), founded by slain rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar, supported the cause. Animal rights activist Dr Kalyan Gangwal was among those present at the event.
Professor Shamshuddin Tamboli, president of MSM, said that the real meaning of “Qurbani (sacrifice)” is sacrificing for society. “There are superstitions associated with the ongoing practice of animal sacrifice on Eid Al-Adha. To spread scientific approach and humanity, we have been appealing to Muslims as well as persons from all communities to come together to celebrate the festival in a real sense by donating blood, which will save human lives,” he said.
Tamboli mentioned that MSM’s first blood donation camp on Eid Al-Adha was held in the presence of Dr Dabholkar, in which less than 25 persons donated blood. “But now people across different districts of Maharashtra and even in other states conduct similar blood donations to celebrate Eid Al-Adha,” he said.
“Going a step further, this year we appealed to people to donate their organs and bodies after death. This kind of an Eid celebration also promotes communal harmony and removes misconceptions about Muslims. The response was good. While 34 persons donated blood, about 30, of whom nearly 20 were Muslims, signed resolutions to donate their organs and bodies. Further procedures will be carried out with the help of government run Sassoon Hospital,” Tamboli said.
Nisar Sikandar Bagwan of Baramati, father of a triple talaq victim, donating blood at the Bakri Eid program of Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal in Pune (Express Photo by Chandan Haygunde)
After signing a resolution to donate his body and organs, Altaphusen Ramjan Nabab, a Mechanical engineer and an office bearer of MSM said, “The percentage of Muslims donating their oorgans and bodies is low. Islam certainly allows a Muslim to help in saving someone else’s life. Hence, on the occasion of Bakri Eid, we are asking Muslims to come forward and donate. We have to progress by accepting a scientific approach.”
Shrirupa Bagwan said she was feeling happy after donating blood and signing a resolution to doante her body. “I have been working with the MSM for the last few years and look after the women’s wing,” she said.
MSM is known for its struggle for the rights of Muslim women. Protesting against triple talaq, polygamy and halal, MSM founder Hamid Dalwai and seven Muslim women had in April 18, 1966 organised a historic march to Mantralaya in Mumbai.
Nisar Sikandar Bagwan of Baramati, the father of a triple talaq victim, joined MSM’s Eid Al-Adha programme and donated blood On Monday. His daughter had faced a triple talaq when she was just 18 years old. She came in contact with MSM and then completed her degree in law from a college in Pune. “I have been donating blood at MSM’s Eid Al-Adha programme for the last eight years,“ Nisar told The Indian Express.
