A suggestion to grant the cow the status of ‘national animal’ by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President, Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, has been welcomed by former litigant in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case Iqbal Ansari and Hindu seers. Ansari expressed that it is a duty to respect the sentiment of calling the cow ‘Gau Mata’ if Hindu neighbors do so. He emphasized that cows should not be sacrificed during the upcoming Bakrid festival, as it goes against the teachings of Allah and the Prophet.
Iqbal Ansari also highlighted the importance of following the law regarding ritualistic sacrifices, stating that animals prohibited by law should not be used for ‘qurbani’. He stressed that cow sacrifice is not legitimate and urged Muslims to refrain from consuming beef. Additionally, he appealed to the government to declare the cow as India’s national animal.
Mahant Deveshacharya Maharaj of Siddh Peeth Hanuman Garhi emphasized the significance of ‘Gau Mata’ in Sanatan Dharma, stating that it is integral to the tradition. He pointed out that cow slaughter goes against Hindu beliefs and urged for the cow to be recognized as the national animal. The Hindu seer expressed intolerance towards any form of cow slaughter, emphasizing the need for respect towards cows.
Arya Sant Varun Das Maharaj echoed similar sentiments, calling for Muslims to support the initiative of declaring the cow as the national animal. He emphasized the importance of preventing any cow bloodshed in India and referred to historical events to underscore the significance of cows in Indian culture. Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Coordinator, Sharad Sharma, emphasized the unique status of the cow as a mother figure and advocated for strict nationwide laws against cow slaughter.
