Eid Al-Adha 2025: The Great Escape—Terrified Animals Make a Desperate Dash to Escape Their Fate
As the annual festival of Eid Al-Adha unfolds, viral footage of animals desperately fleeing their fate has sparked renewed debate about the ethical implications of traditional sacrifices. This year, across various regions—including Cairo, Istanbul, and other urban centers—cows, sheep, and goats have been seen breaking free, causing traffic jams and public safety incidents, but more importantly, serving as a stark visual reminder of their will to survive.
Every year, millions of animals are slaughtered during Eid Al-Adha as part of religious traditions. While for many, the practice holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, the growing awareness of animal sentience and rights raises pressing moral concerns.
Viral videos show frightened cattle dashing through city streets, dodging cars and pedestrians, with authorities scrambling to recapture them. In Egypt, a terrified ram was seen weaving through congested traffic, narrowly avoiding collisions. In Turkey, over 14,000 people were reportedly injured while attempting to slaughter animals.
Interestingly, Islamic scholars have pointed out that the Qurbani (Udhiyah) sacrifice is not an obligation but rather a Sunnah Muakkadah—an emphatically recommended action rather than a strict requirement. Even the first two rightly guided caliphs, Abu Bakr and Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, reportedly refrained from performing Udhiyah, disliking that they might be followed in this tradition. This historical perspective challenges the notion that sacrifice is an absolute religious duty, opening the door for more compassionate alternatives.
For those interested in exploring Islamic perspectives on veganism and ethical alternatives to animal sacrifice, check out [Vegan Islam](https://www.veganislam.org/vegan-islam-eid-al-adha). the Vegan Islam Initiative provides a comprehensive online guide covering topics such as Halal, Eid Al-Adha, dairy, eggs, leather, and honey, all from an Islamic perspective. The initiative highlights the principle of harm avoidance in Islamic law, emphasizing that Muslims are encouraged to minimize suffering and act as responsible stewards of the planet. It also explores historical Islamic teachings that advocate for kindness toward animals, citing Quranic verses and hadiths that emphasize compassion. Additionally, the guide addresses common misconceptions about veganism in Muslim communities and provides practical resources for those looking to adopt a plant-based lifestyle while staying true to their faith. You can explore their work and download advocacy materials at Vegan Islam.
In recent years, the shift toward plant-based alternatives and compassionate celebrations of Eid has gained significant momentum. Many animal rights organizations and vegan communities have encouraged individuals to embrace the true essence of generosity and sacrifice through charitable donations, plant-based feasts, and symbolic acts of kindness—rather than taking the lives of innocent beings.
The Great Escape of Eid Al-Adha 2025 serves as a stark reminder of the fear, distress, and survival instincts exhibited by animals subjected to slaughter. Their frantic attempts to flee reflect an undeniable truth: they cherish their lives just as humans do. This moment presents an opportunity for deep reflection—a chance for societies to reexamine long-standing traditions, question whether they should take precedence over empathy, and explore how compassion can evolve without compromising cultural and spiritual values