Written by: Zahid Mughal
A common objection raised is: “Instead of spending money on animal sacrifice, wouldn't it be better to give that money to the poor and help many people?”
Criticisms of religious acts like sacrifice on economic grounds are frequent. However, evaluating acts of worship purely from a financial perspective undermines their spiritual essence. Nonetheless, for those who consider sacrifice a waste of money, several economic facts are worth highlighting.
Animal sacrifice encourages the farming and cattle industry. Small-scale farmers and economically struggling communities are directly linked to this sector, and they benefit significantly by selling their animals during the days of Eid. This economic activity contributes to equitable wealth distribution.
True poverty alleviation comes not from simply handing out money, but through enhancing economic engagement. The practice of sacrifice fulfills this objective by stimulating various industries and benefiting a wide range of business sectors.
A significant portion of sacrificial meat is distributed among the poor and needy. For many who cannot afford meat throughout the year, Eid al-Adha becomes a time of blessing when they receive nutritious food.
The hides of sacrificial animals are used in leather products, forming a substantial industry that supports the livelihood of thousands. This directly benefits from the practice of sacrifice.
People involved in the transport and sale of animals also benefit from this event, contributing further to economic mobility and stability.
The money spent during Eid al-Adha stimulates the economic cycle. This spending is distributed across various segments of society and generates activity that is particularly beneficial for the lower and middle classes.
Those who object to sacrifice rarely voice concerns over daily wasteful spending on fast food or luxury goods by the wealthy. Similarly, the Western world spends billions on pet toys and cosmetics without protest. The real issue is often not compassion for the poor, but a deep-seated aversion to religion that fuels such criticisms against religious practices.
Sacrifice is not just a religious obligation but also an economically beneficial act for the underprivileged and middle-class communities. Critics often lack awareness of these economic realities or are driven by an anti-religious bias that motivates their opposition.
❖ The Objection
A common objection raised is: “Instead of spending money on animal sacrifice, wouldn't it be better to give that money to the poor and help many people?”
❖ Response: Misunderstanding Worship Through a Purely Economic Lens
Criticisms of religious acts like sacrifice on economic grounds are frequent. However, evaluating acts of worship purely from a financial perspective undermines their spiritual essence. Nonetheless, for those who consider sacrifice a waste of money, several economic facts are worth highlighting.
❖ Boosting Farming and the Cattle Industry
Animal sacrifice encourages the farming and cattle industry. Small-scale farmers and economically struggling communities are directly linked to this sector, and they benefit significantly by selling their animals during the days of Eid. This economic activity contributes to equitable wealth distribution.
❖ Distributing Money Alone Doesn’t Solve Poverty
True poverty alleviation comes not from simply handing out money, but through enhancing economic engagement. The practice of sacrifice fulfills this objective by stimulating various industries and benefiting a wide range of business sectors.
❖ Meat Distribution Among the Poor
A significant portion of sacrificial meat is distributed among the poor and needy. For many who cannot afford meat throughout the year, Eid al-Adha becomes a time of blessing when they receive nutritious food.
❖ Leather Products and Employment
The hides of sacrificial animals are used in leather products, forming a substantial industry that supports the livelihood of thousands. This directly benefits from the practice of sacrifice.
❖ Transportation and Income Generation
People involved in the transport and sale of animals also benefit from this event, contributing further to economic mobility and stability.
❖ Acceleration of Economic Activity
The money spent during Eid al-Adha stimulates the economic cycle. This spending is distributed across various segments of society and generates activity that is particularly beneficial for the lower and middle classes.
❖ Selective Criticism of Spending
Those who object to sacrifice rarely voice concerns over daily wasteful spending on fast food or luxury goods by the wealthy. Similarly, the Western world spends billions on pet toys and cosmetics without protest. The real issue is often not compassion for the poor, but a deep-seated aversion to religion that fuels such criticisms against religious practices.
✦ Conclusion
Sacrifice is not just a religious obligation but also an economically beneficial act for the underprivileged and middle-class communities. Critics often lack awareness of these economic realities or are driven by an anti-religious bias that motivates their opposition.
