Pakistani actor Bilal Qureshi has voiced his concern over the skyrocketing prices of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, urging people to reflect on the true purpose of Qurbani rather than turning it into a show of wealth.
In a recent social media post, the actor expressed disappointment over the growing trend of treating Qurbani (sacrifice) as a display of social status. “When will we understand that if we continue to buy animals just for show, the prices will keep going up?” he wrote.
Qureshi emphasized that the essence of Eid-ul-Adha lies in sincerity and devotion, not in extravagance. “The purpose of Qurbani is not to flaunt expensive animals but to please Allah with pure intentions,” he added. His comments come at a time when inflation has hit record highs in Pakistan, making it increasingly difficult for middle- and lower-income families to afford sacrificial animals.
This year, the prices of cows, goats, and other sacrificial animals have surged drastically across major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Many citizens have voiced frustration, saying that fulfilling the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) has become financially burdensome.
Experts and market vendors point to several contributing factors, including inflation, rising transportation costs, and increased feed prices. Meanwhile, social media and competitive consumer behavior are believed to be fueling the demand for larger and more expensive animals — often more for prestige than for religious fulfillment.
Bilal Qureshi’s message resonated with many online users, sparking a conversation about the commercialization of religious practices. Some users praised the actor for highlighting an issue that is often overlooked in mainstream discussions.
As Eid approaches, Qureshi’s statement serves as a timely reminder to focus on humility, sacrifice, and the spiritual essence of the occasion — values that risk being overshadowed by materialism and societal pressure.
