UK Police ban flags at Muslim celebrations

[T_i_B]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/01/12/ueid.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/01/12/ixportaltop.html

Police have banned Muslims from carrying national flags at a series of religious celebrations later this month.

They claimed the waving of flags during the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations in Southall, London, would increase tensions and said those who persisted may be arrested for breaching the peace.

Eid ul-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated for up to four days to commemorate Prophet Abraham's willingness to give up his son for Allah. During the festival, Muslims sacrifice animals which have been deemed Halaal, or fit for sacrifice.

The move was criticised by the Muslim Council of Britain. Sadiq Khan, chairman of the council's legal affairs committee, said: "This is the first time I can recall someone being prohibited from waving a national flag in a public place, other than a sports occasion, in the mainland UK.

[pennylane100]

1. Waving a flag seems harmless enough,

Its the poor animal that is destined to be supper that I worry about,
I hope its done humanely.

[Bridget Burke]

2. "Halaal" does imply humane treatment of animals....

The most well known requirement for halal meat is the pronouncement of God's name over the animal at the time of slaughter. The knife must be very sharp in order to ensure instant death without suffering. However, lesser known criteria should also be used in order to have truly halal meat.

With respect for animals, Prophet Muhammad (saw) forbade the injury or killing of an animal after it had been caged or bound (al-masbura), to being used for targeting after being caged or bound (mujaththam), or for amputation of part or whole of a limb whilst still alive (al-muthla) and the beating of animals (Bukhari 65:8 #1922). The Prophet also objected to the use of animals for sport. In fact, the only situations in which humans can "hurt" animals is if they are a threat to human life or they are to provide humans with transport or food.

www.islamonline.net/english/Science/2002/03/article3.shtml