BAKRA AGAYA!

Soaring livestock prices hit Eid sacrifices in Pakistan (Source: Dawn)

 (this was the headline on the online page of the leading newspaper in pakistan dawn)

The Arabic phrase "Eid ul Adha" means the "major festival" and is often also called the festival of sacrifice. This is because it takes place while the pilgrims on Hajj near to the Holy city of Makkah are sacrificing their animals. It happens on the tenth day of Dhul Hajj. It is the responsibility of every Muslim who is physically able to do so, to sacrifice an animal - a goat, sheep, cow or camel - where ever they are in the world. The meaning behind the festival originates in Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as Allah commanded. And the spirit of it is seen when, having sacrificed an animal, the meat is then distributed among the poor and needy.
However, with the passing of time, the essence of this sacrifice seems to have gotten lost. It has become more of a fashion than a sacrifice. The intention doesn’t seem to be to please Allah but something else. The inflation in the price of livestock, the fee hike and disappearing act of meat cutters, the sheer filth and foul odors on our streets are certainly not a reflection of the path of the Prophet Ibrahim, his beloved son, Prophet Ismail or our holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
We often tend to forget, that it is not the meat or blood that reaches Allah, but the intent and piety which is vital for the occasion. It is not a competition of sorts, but our humble offering to follow the footsteps of the Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). It’s a chance not to be wasted by showing off how much you’ve spent but to show ALLAH (SWT) how keen you are to gain His pleasure.
May ALLAH (SWT) guide us and show us the right path. Aameen!