- By Dr. Pervaiz Awan
- Tarbela Ghazi
Eid-ul-Adha is not merely the ritual sacrifice of an animal; it is a profound lesson in devotion, compassion, discipline, cleanliness, and collective responsibility. As the blessed days of Eid approach, the atmosphere becomes filled with spiritual joy, the echoes of Takbeer, the laughter of children, and the enthusiasm of fulfilling the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.).
However, alongside this sacred act comes a responsibility that tests our social awareness and civic sense. When the remains and waste of sacrificed animals are not disposed of properly and on time, the beauty of Eid can quickly turn into discomfort. Streets become polluted, drains overflow, foul smells spread through neighborhoods, and the environment becomes vulnerable to diseases.
It is true that municipal institutions and sanitation departments work tirelessly every year to manage the disposal of sacrificial waste. Trucks move from street to street, cleaning teams remain active day and night, and workers continue their duties despite heat, exhaustion, and unpleasant conditions. Yet, greater responsibility, effective planning, and timely action are always essential to ensure that citizens do not suffer unnecessary inconvenience.
At the same time, society must realize that cleanliness is not the duty of institutions alone. A civilized community is built when both the authorities and the public work together. If every household carefully packs sacrificial waste, follows cleanliness guidelines, and cooperates with sanitation teams, Eid can truly remain a celebration of joy, peace, and spirituality.
Most importantly, this occasion reminds us to appreciate the silent heroes of our society — the sanitation workers and municipal staff who sacrifice their own Eid celebrations for the comfort of others. While families sit together enjoying barbecue, traditional dishes, and festive gatherings, these hardworking individuals spend their day collecting waste from streets and neighborhoods so that the public may celebrate in a clean and healthy environment.
These workers are not merely employees; they are the unseen guardians of public health and cleanliness. Their sweat carries the fragrance of service, and their efforts protect society from discomfort and disease. They deserve not only wages but also respect, gratitude, and appreciation from all of us.
This Eid, let us not only sacrifice animals but also sacrifice our negligence, carelessness, and indifference. Let us keep our streets, neighborhoods, and cities clean, cooperate with municipal authorities, and honor those workers who dedicate their Eid to making ours peaceful and pleasant.
Because the true spirit of sacrifice lies not only in the act itself, but also in caring for the environment, respecting others, and fulfilling our responsibilities as members of a civilized society.