Speaking to FMT, Ali explained that this centred on the idea of “baligh”, an Islamic term referring to a person who has reached maturity or puberty, and has full responsibility under the Islamic law.
“Normally, it is the age of nine for the girls and for boys when they are 12 years old.
“If the boys at the age of 12 can weigh properly what’s right and wrong, then it is okay.
“Then again, it depends on the ustaz (religious teacher) to judge whether the students are ready or not.”
Ali reminded that the practice of the sacrificial ritual was based on the concept of slaughtering the animal in the most humane way possible.
“The idea is to have mercy for the bird. For example, you have to use a very sharp knife and make sure you kill the animal right away.”
He was responding to a report by FMT, which revealed that parents and students at a primary school in Batu Caves were left in shock after students were told to sacrifice some 70 quails.
Meanwhile, Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) Chairman Noor Azimah Rahim said it was not normal to conduct a mock animal sacrificial ritual for students in a primary school.
“I don’t think this has ever happened before. It’s not normal for it to be conducted in schools. I also don’t think it’s necessary,” she told FMT when contacted.
Mock animal sacrificial rituals should be conducted in neighbouring mosques instead as they have the proper amenities, she said.
“Mosque corridors would have a proper drainage and sewerage system to conduct such activities whereas the schools don’t.
“Let it be done on mosque grounds, not in schools.”
Azimah said that if such activities were conducted in mosques, it would encourage Muslim kids to go to the mosque more often.
“I think that’s one way to encourage the young Muslim kids to go to the mosque. Kids are not going to the mosque these days.
“So, the Islamic education committee or Islamic associations could work along with mosques to create activities for the children to visit mosques.
“By all means, teach the positive benefits and importance of slaughter. But the practical aspect of it can be conducted at the mosques.”