Every year, as Eidul Azha approaches, we see the same familiar scenes unfold in front of us. Youngsters, and even adults, lovingly give goats and cows names, and buy them garlands and loads of fodder. And the evenings are filled with activity and fun, when the streets become runways for livestock fashion shows and kids act like mini farm managers.

And social media? It turns into a full-blown “Eid-animal influencer” competition. If your goat didn’t have at least one dramatic ‘slow-mo’ video set to trending music, is it really Eid?

Let’s be honest, some of it is fun. It’s part of the season’s charm, no doubt. But sometimes, it gets awkward when things get out of hand, and you or someone else indulges in something really weird or something totally inhumane that shouldn’t be done to animals! And people then even post it, to show the act and their bravery.

If you’re like me and hear a whisper from within, “Is this what it’s all about?” then maybe that’s our sign to pause and reflect. Because, somewhere along the way, something may have gone far beyond what it was ever meant to be. Let’s rewind a bit.

The real story

We all know, though, Eidul Azha commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son for the sake of his Creator, on his command. That’s not light stuff. That’s deep. That’s commitment. It’s a lesson not just of obedience, but of trust, faith and absolute surrender.

And this is actually the bond and commitment to the real cause we have to develop with the animal we are bringing into our house. So, it’s not about aesthetics. It’s........

© Dawn Young Magazine