Eid: Hunt for sacrificial animals begins

Al Ain: People have been combing livestock markets across the country in a bid to find affordable animals to sacrifice for Eid.

Fresh stocks of sheep, goats, cattle and camels have already arrived at markets in Al Ain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and other UAE cities. Traders said people have been buying animals but the rush is expected a day before or on Eid itself as it is difficult to keep the animals at home.

Some people were wary of a hike in animal prices due to inflation and high demand, as traders look to make a quick profit.

Authorities, however, are reassuring buyers saying that prices will be monitored.

Eid Al Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the last Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijja every year. The sacrificial animals’ meat is traditionally given to the poor, friends and neighbours. Portions are also cooked for the family offering the sacrifice.

Muslims sacrifice animals on Eid Al Adha to show their obedience to God.

The festival is also observed to remember the willingness of Prophet Ebrahim who tried to sacrifice his only son Esmail, also a prophet, to demonstrate his obedience to God.

Qamar Murad, a goat seller at the Central Livestock Market in Al Ain, said goats and sheep were the most popular animals for sacrifice as people could easily afford them. A Saudi Arabian breed of sheep, called Najadi, is the hot favourite.

“Najadis are beautiful and bulky,” said Murad, noting that their meat is also considered much better than the meat of animals coming from other countries. Many people, he said, also liked locally-bred animals.

Murad said many reasons were affecting prices this year, such as high inflation, increase in transport charges, government fees, and an increase in rent and fodder prices. Traders, he said, have a low profit margin but have to cover their overheads.

Mohammad Sulaiman, a customer at an Al Ain market, said prices were too high this year.

“It’s difficult to buy an animal,” he said, adding that traders had been taking undue advantage of Eid by selling animals at higher prices.

Another customer, Abdul Gaffar, said he had come just to check the prices.

“I shall make a decision accordingly to buy a suitable animal in a couple of days,” he said.

Meanwhile, municipalities across the country have made special arrangements for animal displays at markets and set rules for slaughtering. The measures have been taken to protect the environment. A ban has already been imposed on slaughtering animals in public places in Abu Dhabi emirate where people have been asked to go to municipality abattoirs.