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    HomeIslamic UpdatesThe Lost Spirit of Eid ul Adha – Qurbani or Competition?

    The Lost Spirit of Eid ul Adha – Qurbani or Competition?

    Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is meant to commemorate the unwavering faith and submission of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) to Allah’s command. It is a deeply spiritual occasion rooted in the values of obedience, humility, and sacrifice. Yet, in today’s digital era, this sacred event is rapidly transforming into a social spectacle — a competition fueled by showmanship and ego.

    The Essence of Eid-ul-Adha: A Test of Faith

    Historically, Eid-ul-Adha honors the moment when Prophet Ibrahim (A.S), in complete submission to Allah, prepared to sacrifice his beloved son. It was never about the animal or its price — it was about the willingness to surrender something valuable for the sake of faith.

    Qurbani was traditionally performed quietly, with a pure heart and sincere intention. The meat was shared among family, friends, and especially the needy, ensuring everyone could partake in the blessings of Eid. The act was intimate and selfless.

    A Shift Towards Vanity and Competition

    Today, the essence of Qurbani is fading. What once was an act of devotion has turned into a public competition. Lavish animals worth millions of rupees are paraded on social media. Vloggers create entire series around their “Imported Bull,” “Bakra King,” or “15-Lakh ka Janwar,” complete with drone shots, fancy music, and hashtags like #KingOfBakraMandi.

    Influencers race to outshine one another with the rarest breeds, tallest horns, or heaviest bulls — and the audience, driven by awe or envy, follows suit. This obsession with views, likes, and viral fame has eclipsed the original purpose of Qurbani.

    The Rising Cost of Sacrifice

    The effects of this culture of competition are visible in the market. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, meat prices in May 2025 alone increased by 0.82%. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also reported a global meat price rise of 3.2% in April 2025.

    Locally, traders now factor in not just inflation, but also perceived “status value” when pricing animals. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) notes that rising fodder, transport, and care costs are partly to blame. But the artificial hype created by digital trends also plays a significant role in inflating prices.

    Who Can Afford to Sacrifice?

    Once a shared ritual for people of all classes, Qurbani is now slipping out of reach for many middle- and lower-income families. For some, affording even a basic share has become impossible.

    While charitable organizations attempt to bridge this gap by offering collective sacrifices and shares, the joy and dignity of personal Qurbani remain a dream for many. Eid, for these families, is more about receiving than giving — a stark contrast to the tradition’s core intent.

    Faith or Fame? The Dilemma of Intentions

    Islam emphasizes that it is not the meat or blood that reaches Allah, but the taqwa — the consciousness and sincerity behind the sacrifice.

    “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but your piety that reaches Him.”
    Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 37

    So when Qurbani becomes about social validation, has the act itself lost its religious significance? Is a 15-lakh rupee bull sacrificed for Allah — or for a million likes?

    A Wake-Up Call for Creators and Communities

    Influencers and vloggers have a powerful impact on cultural trends. With this influence comes responsibility. Eid-ul-Adha should be used as an opportunity to educate, to inspire generosity, and to remind people of the core Islamic values, not to turn ibadah into entertainment.

    Communities must also reflect: are we enabling this culture by celebrating extravagance and mocking simplicity?

    Bringing the Spirit Back

    Eid-ul-Adha can still be meaningful if we return to its roots:

    1. Prioritize intention over presentation.
    2. Choose modesty over show-off.
    3. Ensure the needy are not left out.
    4. Use social media to encourage humility, not vanity.

    Qurbani doesn’t need to be grand to be accepted — it needs to be sincere. Whether it’s a goat worth Rs. 60,000 or a cow worth Rs. 600,000, Allah judges the heart, not the price tag.

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