Why is there a need for an oath in pigeon competitions?
The answer is simple: MashaAllah, our hobby is growing rapidly in the UK, with new participants joining every day. However, this growth has also brought a significant increase in challenges. Every year, those who perform well across the UK face accusations about their pigeons without any regard for the hard work and time they have dedicated to achieving these results. Instead of appreciating their efforts, people start pointing fingers, hurling accusations, and even resorting to abusive language in groups, tarnishing reputations in gatherings. This unfortunate trend has turned friendships into enmities, and it’s no secret to anyone involved in the community.
Some brothers claim that this is the "beauty" of the hobby, but I strongly disagree. For me, the dignity of myself and all my fellow pigeon enthusiasts comes first.
Another pressing issue is the prevalence of crossbreeding, with “Patti Wala” and “Malwai” pigeons becoming increasingly widespread. The number of crossbred pigeons has grown to such an extent that even the most experienced experts struggle to identify them accurately. Most people are only familiar with a few generations of their pigeons’ lineage, yet a pigeon keeper knows his pigeons’ origins best. Therefore, only the owner can truly verify their birds.
Adding to the problem is the varying level of expertise among judges (munsif), which can lead to errors. Mistakes—such as allowing the wrong pigeons to fly—can result in significant injustice to other participants. These issues, among others, have created a sense of mistrust within the community.
What is the solution?
The only viable solution is for participants to take an oath about their pigeons. This would help ensure fairness and build confidence among all participants, eliminating suspicion. Even after an oath is given, the process should not stop there. Judges must still inspect the pigeons, and if necessary, the committee can conduct additional verification.
If a participant continues to engage in foul play despite taking an oath, they will bear full responsibility for their disgrace. Even if they succeed in deceiving others temporarily, their conscience will remind them of their guilt for the rest of their life.
In conclusion, I believe that halaf (oath/affirmation) and tasdeeq (verification) are essential steps in the right direction for the betterment of this hobby and its competitions. if someone cannot testify to their own birds, they should reconsider participating in competitions. This is no longer just a casual hobby to enjoy in your garden. Uncertainty about one’s pigeons can negatively impact others.
Ustad Chaudhry Tahir Abdullah
(Late Ustad Chaudhry Raheem Bakhsh Alvi Party, Rawalpindi)