Every year, Muslims all over the world observe the festival of Eid-ul-Adha to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) submission to the will of Almighty Allah. However, we sometimes do such stuff that is contrary to the spirit of the occasion.
Unfortunately, instead of realising that they have to be ready to sacrifice every precious possession in the way of Allah, Eid-ul-Adha is now observed only as a ritual. Most Muslims, especially in Pakistan, do it to show off and cruelly treat the sacrificial animals.
Muslims are locked into a race of who can sacrifice the best and priciest animal. Islam strictly forbids exhibitions and strongly asks Muslims to treat animals with compassion and not to abuse them.
Let’s take an in-depth review of the Muslim tradition and the way the Muslims treat the sacrificial animals and show off.
Viral Videos
Some videos have gone viral on social media this year Eid-ul-Adha, which shows the negligence of the people performing sacrifices.
In the first video, the cow can be seen being lifted from the top of the two-storied building when it loses balance and falls to the ground.
My heart is crying after watching this video.
Sick cruel people! #Cruelty #Karachi #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/WDFSu1NqY0
— Pak Hindus (@PakHindus) August 1, 2020
In the second video, a camel can be seen running that was wrongly slaughtered. The camel was bleeding and was later slaughtered.
https://www.facebook.com/100006669304807/videos/2897490333816582/
What is prevalent today?
Many current practices are not in accordance with the Islamic teachings and may result in great cruelty to animals. The handling of animals before and during transport is often cruel. Some animals are marched on foot for several days. Many animals are not fed and watered en route.
Animals may be tied in twos and fours in order to reduce the number of animal minders or personnel on the trail, which results in injury and fatigue to the animals. Some animals are beaten and forced to move quickly in order to reach markets and abattoirs on time.
Many people appear more concerned about the size and price of their sacrificial animal than respecting the act of sacrifice. Some take pride in showing off their high-priced animals, today some people have made it an opportunity to show off their wealth.
Islamic rules concerning slaughtering and showing off
The humane slaughter of animals is strongly supported in the Islamic tradition. Sahih Muslim (Book 21, Chapter 11, Number 4810) records Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) saying:
“Verily Allah has enjoined goodness to everything; so when you kill, kill in a good way and when you slaughter, slaughter in a good way. So every one of you should sharpen his knife, and let the slaughtered animal die comfortably.”
Islam has also laid down other Rules for humane slaughter, some of which are:
Animals should have a preslaughter rest, and be well fed and well looked after at the point of slaughter. Slaughter must be performed by a Muslim. Tools and other implements used must be for the slaughter of Halal animals only. Slaughter the animal in such a way that its life departs quickly, and it is not left to suffer.
Traditionally, a Muslim should donate at least one-third of the meat from the animal to poor or vulnerable people. The remainder of the meat is split into one-third for the family that offers the udhiya and the final third to their neighbors.
The Quran explicitly mentions, “That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor” (Al-Haj 22/28). Further, it says: “And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah ; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful” (Al-Haj 22/36).
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