The Muslims across the world will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha which is linked with their largest annual pilgrimage, Hajj, in the middle of this week. The sacred pilgrimage to Makkah is performed at least once in a lifetime by the Muslims with physical, mental and financial ability. The formal rituals of Hajj have already started with the pilgrims reaching the plateau of Mina for the annual camping. Today, they will be at Mount Arafat until sunset, praying and seeking Allah's pardon and mercy. Later, they will move to Muzdalifa for a night stay under the open sky. The next day, the 10th of the month of Dhul Hajj, is the day for the sacrifice of the animals or Qurbani, known as Eid-ul-Adha. However, the festival across the Muslim world lasts three days, which means sacrifice is allowed up to the 12th of Dhul Hajj, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
It is, however, not merely slaughtering an animal for a feast, as the significance of the ritual is broader. Eid-ul-Adha, the entire Hajj to be exact, is a symbolic remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim, known as the Muslim nation's Father. According to the Islamic version, the prophet was asked by Allah to sacrifice his elder son, Ismail. Allah was satisfied with his steadfast faith when he attempted to do so and rewarded him by replacing his son with a male sheep or ram. The animal was slaughtered instead of Ismail. Thus, a religious ritual has been set to sacrifice a domesticated animal by the Muslims.
So, every Muslim needs to keep this in mind and understand the significance of it. The core of the annual ritual is to instil a sacrificial attitude in one's mind for the sake of the almighty. It is to prepare a Muslim to forego any materialistic asset in the name of Allah. It is to guide a Muslim to extend a helping hand to any human who is in trouble, even at the cost of his wealth. It is to remind the Muslims to be humble and submissive. It is to remind a Muslim not to infringe other's rights. Qurbani is also a festival where people can share and care. It is highly encouraged that some of the meat of the sacrificial animals is distributed among the needy and deprived sections of society.
Unfortunately, a section of Muslims in the country is far away from realising the more profound significance of the vital ritual. They are yet to understand that Qurbani is not only a religious duty of Muslims but also a collective social responsibility. The limitation is reflected in how they conduct everything - from purchasing to slaughtering. For many people, purchasing big-size sacrificial animals is a way of flaunting their wealth. Some of them even compete with each other by paying higher prices.
The aspect of cleanliness, a principle of Islam, is also breached in the name of sacrifice without any regret, especially in urban areas. On the day, a familiar scene is that blood flows on the streets and into drains, remains of animals lay scattered around on the roads and severed heads and skins are strewn around. The disgusting stench is also there. Though the local authorities have tried to remove waste and clean the roads and streets by the evening, the non-cooperation of a section of irresponsible citizens makes the task difficult. Despite repeated requests, they don't help in the cleanliness effort. Some also do not clean their residential premises properly, causing pollution. Gone are the days when a section of young people, under the guidance of senior citizens, worked voluntarily in different neighbourhoods to ensure cleanliness in the streets. The social bonding has diminished over the years, making people more self-centred --- which doesn't go with the spirit of Qurbani.
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