The practice of ‘Qurbani’ will get totally eliminated as animals for sacrifice have gone or going out of the reach of a common man. Yes, a lot of animals are sold in abundance on this Eid because the rich have enough to dole out of their wealth. The spirit of sacrifice is almost absent from the society. Animal cost and size is also now a matter of demonstration of wealth and riches. The butchers too have transformed their styles and methods so as to maximise their earnings within a specified time. They have devised shortcuts in slaughtering, repugnant to the tenets of Islam.
I think, all said and done, the government should intervene in this matter before the matter comes to a complete halt and Qurbani becomes a ritual reserved for the rich only. Like big cars and palatial houses, Qurbani is emerging as a symbol of ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. Good that society now stands clear of class system. Thanks to the government who has at least given us democracy, reconciliation lessons and useless things like these.
AMJAD H MIRZA
Lahore
