The Importance of Eid al-Adha: Prioritizing Intentions and Compassion
Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is a significant occasion for Muslims around the world, commemorating the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael). The essence of the celebration is not in the act of sacrificing the animals themselves, but in their intentions and values – compassion, generosity, and devotion to Allah. The Quran emphasizes the importance of intentions and the spirit of sacrifice rather than the physical act or the amount of meat distributed.
The Quran states in Sura Al-Hajj:
,لَن يَنَالَ ٱللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَآؤُهَا وَلَـٰكِن يَنَالُهُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
“It is not their meat that reaches Allah, nor their blood, but it is your piety that reaches Him” (Quran 22:37).
This highlights the importance of sincerity, compassion, and righteousness on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. However, in Pakistan, the spirit of Eid al-Adha is often overshadowed by the exorbitant prices of sacrificial animals. Sellers take advantage of the demand by charging unjustified high prices for goats, cows, and other animals. This practice not only burdens the common people but also contradicts the principles of justice, compassion and equality that Islam advocates. The government can play a key role in ensuring that the ritual of sacrifice is accessible and affordable for everyone.
One possible solution is to implement a system where animals are sold by weight, according to pre-determined prices per kilogram of meat. This approach is permissible in Islam and allows people of all economic backgrounds to participate in the ritual without exploitation.
*Benefits of selling animals by weight:*
1. *Fair price*: Eliminates price gouging and ensures that buyers pay a fair price based on the weight and quality of the meat.
2. *Increased accessibility*: Enables people with limited financial resources to participate in the ritual, promoting inclusion and equity.
3. *Transparency*: Provides a clear and transparent pricing mechanism, reducing disputes and complaints.
4. *Reduced exploitation*: Protects buyers from exploitation by sellers who may charge exorbitant prices due to high demand.
Steps to implement a weight-based system:
1.*Regulatory framework*: Establish a regulatory framework that outlines guidelines and standards for selling animals by weight.
2.*Standard pricing*: Determine the price per kg of meat based on market rates and ensure that it is updated regularly.
3.*Weight-based sales*: Mandate that all sacrificial animals be sold by weight with clear labeling and documentation.
4.*Monitoring and enforcement*: Ensure that the system is monitored and enforced by the relevant authorities, with penalties for non-compliance.
By implementing a weight-based system for the sale of sacrificial animals, Pakistan can promote a more inclusive, fair, and compassionate celebration of Eid al-Adha. This approach will not only uphold the principles of Islam but also ensure that the ritual of sacrifice remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic background.
