Mufti urges Europe's Muslims to heed foot-and-mouth rules in animal sacrifice

RIYADH, - Saudi Arabia's top-ranking cleric said Sunday it was acceptable for Muslims living in Europe not to sacrifice animals for the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha festival because of foot-and-mouth disease.

"If Muslims in Europe find themselves in a situation where they are prevented from sacrificing a beast after what has been said about the state of the animal, they must abide by the rules," said Sheikh Abdelaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh.

"The sacrifice of an animal is not an obligation for Muslims but it is a tradition. Those who have the means to sacrifice an animal can do it. For those who do not, it is not obligatory," he said.

Denmark was the latest country in Europe to report a suspected case of the outbreak, after French and Belgian authorities reported suspected cases on Saturday. Britain remains the only country in western Europe where vets have confirmed cases of the infection.

As the source of the scourge, Britain has banned all livestock movements, thrown up a quarantine around farms, country parks and zoos, cancelled sporting events and slaughtered 45,000 animals as it struggles to contain the highly-infectious disease.

Eid al-Adha, which lasts from Monday to Wednesday, honours the prophet Abraham for preparing to sacrifice his son Ishmael on the order of God who was testing his faith.

According to the Koran, at the moment Abraham raised his dagger towards his son, the arch-angel Gabriel offered a lamb in Ishmael's place.

For the holiday, Muslims around the world slaughter each year millions of sheep, goats or cattle to pay tribute to Abraham's devotion to God.

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