ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon, Dr S.M. Qaisar Sajjad, has issued a public advisory ahead of Eidul Adha, urging citizens to take necessary precautions during festival.
Dr Sajjad has advised the public to eat carefully during Eidul Adha, warning that improper chewing of meat and food can lead to serious throat and swallowing emergencies.
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The senior ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon urged people to eat all types of food slowly and ensure proper chewing before swallowing to reduce the risk of bolus impaction and small bone fragments becoming stuck in the oesophagus (the passage between the throat and the stomach).
According to the doctor, such medical cases become more common during Eidul Adha due to increased consumption of meat dishes, especially when people eat quickly or fail to chew food properly.
He explained that bone impaction or food blockage in the oesophagus can cause absolute dysphagia, a condition in which a person becomes unable to swallow properly.
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The condition can result in severe pain, discomfort, breathing difficulty, and other medical complications.
Dr Sajjad stated that many patients require emergency medical treatment to remove impacted food or bone fragments from the oesophagus, often through procedures performed under general anesthesia.
He advised parents to remain especially careful with children and elderly family members during Eid meals, as they are more vulnerable to choking and swallowing-related complications.
Eidul Adha is traditionally associated with large family meals and meat-based dishes across Pakistan and other Muslim countries.
Significance of Eid ul Adha and Zil Hajj
Eid ul Adha is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. It is also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice” and is observed in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, commonly pronounced as Zil Hajj.
This sacred occasion teaches Muslims the values of faith, sacrifice, obedience, and compassion. Eid ul Adha also marks the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Importance of Zil Hajj
Zil Hajj is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered one of the holiest months in Islam because important acts of worship are performed during this time.
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Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca to perform Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. The first ten days of Zil Hajj are especially sacred, and Muslims increase their prayers, fasting, charity, and remembrance of Allah during these days.
The Day of Arafah, observed on the 9th of Zil Hajj, holds great significance. Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat to seek forgiveness and blessings from Allah. Muslims who are not performing Hajj often fast on this day, as it is believed to bring immense spiritual rewards.
Significance of Eid ul Adha
Eid ul Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Zil Hajj.
It commemorates the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son on the command of Allah.
Before the sacrifice took place, Allah replaced his son with a sheep, rewarding Prophet Ibrahim for his faith and sincerity. This event symbolizes complete trust in Allah and willingness to sacrifice for His sake.
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On Eid ul Adha, Muslims offer animal sacrifices such as goats, sheep, cows, or camels. The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.
This practice promotes charity, equality, and care for others in society.
Eid ul Adha and Zil Hajj hold deep religious and spiritual importance for Muslims. They remind believers of the values of sacrifice, patience, devotion, and kindness.
These sacred occasions strengthen faith and encourage unity and compassion among people. Through worship, charity, and remembrance of Allah, Muslims celebrate these blessed days with gratitude and joy.
