Religion or Showmanship: Exploring Complexity of Eidul Azha

Neelam Lashari

Lahore: Eidul Azha is an Islamic ritual pilgrimage that follows the Hajj, which is recognized as Islam’s fifth pillar. Every year, Muslim pilgrims travel to Makkah, the holy city of Saudi Arabia, to observe religious acts of worship and reaffirm their faith in “Allah”. As part of their ritual, worshipers walk around the Ka’bah seven times while praising “Allah”.

This holy occasion commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice from a divine visitation in his dream. He was tasked by “Allah” to offer up his son Ismael as a sacrifice, yet when Ibrahim removed his blindfold he found that Ismael had been replaced with a ram given by Allah’s grace and mercy.

Every year in the month of Zil Hajj, Muslims from across the world perform the religious pilgrimage Qurbani, where they sacrifice an animal (as Prophet Ibrahim did). Commonly people sacrifice a sheep, goat, camel, or cow in order to demonstrate their obedience and surrender to “Allah” (SWT). Sadly, over the last few years, this has become more about extravagance and flaunting wealth than a display of reverence. People are now competing to have as many animals as possible and boasting about how much they cost.

Despite the fact that it is not mentioned in Islam to flaunt one’s wealth, this has become a new trend where people impulsively display and lavish their earnings. However, Allah instructs us to remain humble and strive towards assisting those who are less fortunate.

Regrettably, parents are passing down financial anxieties to their children. Across the streets of Pakistan, this competition is greatly evident; while some purchase animals valued at Rs800,000, others acquire goats at Rs200,000.

Unfortunately, this does not end there as people will often preserve the good meat for themselves or relatives rather than providing it to those in need. The inferior quality meat is usually shared with the needy population.

Is performing the act of sacrifice on Eid truly done in true homage to “Allah”? Is it more about asserting our status by displaying wealth and making others feel less privileged, rather than honoring “Allah”?

Will “Allah” be truly pleased by our offering if it is made in such a way that communicates showing off, rather than humility? Could we not honor Him without generating outer arrogance and instead remain humble in our actions?

As a society, we must reflect on the direction in which we are heading. We are creating a negative example for younger generations, focusing on the display of wealth and mocking those who cannot afford it instead of emphasizing humility and the true purpose of society. This behavior is simply an expression of our own insecurities that we then transfer onto others.

It is of utmost importance to educate your children on the value of humility and avoiding arrogance, something Islam teaches us. During this period of economic hardship, we must recognize the dilemma of those who are less fortunate and do our best to support them in meeting their basic needs.

Rather than participating in showy displays, it is more advantageous to remain humble and earn recognition by helping others, so that you will have “Allah’s” approval.