Spanish Muslims Challenge Ceuta’s Eid al-Adha Ban Amid COVID-19 Concerns

The Muslim Community of Spain (CME), represented by Ahmed Subaire, plans to sue the government of Ceuta if it maintains its ban on the celebration of Eid al-Adha, as in previous years, that is, with families in their homes, sacrificing the lamb. However, they intend to comply with all health measures.

The CME, based on the agreements signed in 1992 by the Spanish state and the Islamic commission, believes that the non-celebration of this feast scheduled for this year on July 31 is contrary to the law and even constitutes "a violation of the Constitution".

"We are waiting for the government’s response on the subject. And then we will decide," he says, specifying that the issue could be brought before the courts so that the judges "decide on the compliance of the measures taken with regard to the law", and if necessary, before the Constitutional Court.

"We are not creating controversy, and we do not want to jeopardize national unity... But the ban on Eid al-Adha cannot be tolerated," when we know that it "will be celebrated in Melilla and the rest of Spain," adds Subaire, who sees "not a single reason that can explain that the sacrifice is a factor in the spread of the coronavirus".