As every year, the change in meat prices before and during Eid al-Adha becomes one of the topics of public discussion this year as well. Eid al-Adha will be celebrated in our country on May 27-28. As the holiday approaches, the increasing demand for sacrificial animals causes prices to rise in the market. While some consider this kind of price increase to be seasonal and natural, concerns about artificial price hikes continue. At the same time, this issue is discussed not only from an economic but also from a religious and moral point of view. In particular, issues related to the essence of the sacrifice worship, people's ability to perform worship comfortably, and sellers' honest behavior attract attention.
In his statement to Modern.az on the topic, the chairman of the Free Consumers Union, Eyyub Huseynov, stated that in a market economy, prices are formed based on supply and demand, and a certain price increase before the holiday, especially before Eid al-Adha, is considered expected.
"As demand increases, prices rise, and in some cases, changes in quality are also observed. This year, an increase of approximately 1-2 manats per kilogram of meat is predicted.
One of the main problems in Azerbaijan is that prices do not return to their previous level after the holiday. Once prices rise, they do not fall later, and even if the holiday ends, the price increase continues."
According to him, it would not be correct to evaluate the current situation as "artificial price increase":
"Because this concept is mostly used in cases of state intervention or administrative regulation of prices. In Azerbaijan, prices are formed based on free market principles, under the influence of supply and demand.
Currently, consumers also place their sacrificial orders through large supermarket chains. The fact that markets offer the animal in cut and ready form increases interest in these services."
E. Huseynov also emphasized that the main goal in this matter should not be to directly intervene in prices, but to create abundance in the market and create favorable conditions for sales:
"It is possible that reducing certain fees related to animal slaughter during holidays may affect prices. Also, the application of possible concessions by relevant institutions can create more favorable conditions for both entrepreneurs and citizens," said the chairman of AIB.
Theologian Agha Hajibeyli, in his statement to our website on the topic, noted that Islam is not a religion against trade:
"On the contrary, it is a religion that supports the development of entrepreneurship and encourages people to worship by becoming rich. As can be seen from zakat, infaq, gifts, and other forms of sharing, all of these are based on financial means. Our religion wants a person to be wealthy in a certain sense in life so that they can help more people and provide more support. From this point of view, sacrificing is also an act of worship performed by people who have the means."
According to him, the artificial increase in the prices of sacrificial animals in markets and sales points causes serious concern:
"Some people who take advantage of this opportunity forget that people buy these animals not just for shopping, but for the purpose of worship. The sacrifice worship is an important religious and moral value performed for the sake of Allah. When people only think about profit and material interests, they also limit the worship opportunities of the other party. It may be that some families are in a position to sacrifice one or two animals, but the artificial increase in prices reduces their opportunities and creates additional difficulties."
A. Hajibeyli believes that, in fact, more people could sacrifice and share with those in need:
"Price increases, however, narrow the scope of this worship and create certain artificial problems. Therefore, awareness-raising should be one of the main issues here as well. Entrepreneurs working in this field should be explained in advance that it is not about ordinary shopping. This animal will be sacrificed, it will turn into worship, and its meat will go to the tables of the needy tomorrow. People should understand how much great reward and good deeds they can gain here. When only material gain is considered, these great moral values are overshadowed. Therefore, these issues need to be emphasized more."
Theologian also added that the selection of the sacrificial animal is also one of the very important issues:
"The sacrificial animal is mainly sheep, goat, calf, buffalo, and camel. Camels and buffaloes are not widely used in our country, and goats are not preferred much. Rams and male animals are mostly chosen. The age of the animal is important, it must be at least one year old and well-built. At the same time, the animal must be healthy, not have broken horns, cut ears, be crippled or sick. Because our Lord is the most beautiful, and the most beautiful should be presented to Him.
It is also stated in the Holy Quran that neither the meat nor the blood of the slaughtered animal reaches Allah. What reaches Allah is the piety, sincerity, and love in a person's heart. The main thing is intention and sincerity. This great worship is also a sacred value that shows a person's submission to Allah. Therefore, people working in the relevant field should also prioritize the feeling of compassion and approach this issue not only as trade but also as a moral responsibility," he concluded.
