A debate has reignited over the last few weeks on the ethical nuances surrounding animal sacrifice in the name of religion. With Eid-ul-Adha or Bakri-id this Saturday, discussions on animal cruelty and the need to evolve and change certain religious traditions are taking over news networks and social media platforms. But finding a synergy between cultural traditions and ethical dilemmas is not always easy.
The tradition of animal sacrifice is an ancient one dating to as early as the Neolithic Period as the early hunter gatherers transitioned to domesticating animals. Archaeological evidence suggests the same with ritual burials in popular Neolithic sites being documented such as Çatalhöyük where they found a human burial with a young lamb. Even ancient, sacred books suggest the importance of sacrifice.
For example, the Hebrew Bible states that sacrifice is associated with a ritual of purity, while for the Greco Roman’s sacrifice was seen as an exchange with the Gods for posterity. Vedic literature encouraged animal sacrifice as an offering when done with a pure heart and mind. In Sanskrit this is termed as ‘bali’ or tribute with the scriptures suggesting the sacrifice of man, horse, cattle, sheep and goat (in descending order) being permissible. Even epic mythological tales such as the Mahabharata speak of the auspicious sacrifice.
While the practice is deemed illegal in several states in India and is not commonly done in populous cities, it continues to be tradition in smaller towns as well as Shakti temples or those places of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga.
The largest of festivals in the name of animal sacrifice however is the Gadhimai Festival taking place predominantly in Nepal for over two hundred years. Today the festival is highly controversial, receiving tremendous backlash. In an attempt to reduce the press coverage last year, the Gadhimai Temple committee enforced strict measures on the filming and recording of the slaughter. But can a community or groups deep-rooted beliefs and rituals really be banned?
An illustration in the book Hadikat as-Suada dating to the 16th century depicts an episode from Prophet Abraham’s life. One night the Prophet had a dream where God asked him to sacrifice what was most dear to him. Diligently and selflessly, Abraham was ready to sacrifice his only son, Ishmael (Isaac). The one most dear to him. The illustration has an ornate, sepia toned background of hand drawn intricate floral motifs. The work of art is heavily detailed, in a myriad shades of red and blue. It depicts that, as the sacrifice is about to take place, the angel Gabriel sweeps in to switch Ishmael with a sheep. The act of sacrifice or this undying, absolute form of devotion is what turned into Eid-ul-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice.
However, this is narrated in Christianity, Islam as well as Judaism. One of the most riveting works of art, which mentions the tale is a painting by the Italian Master Caravaggio. Part of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Sacrifice of Isaac depicts the sacrifice of Isaac about to take place. Emotions are dramatically heightened in this powerful painting as Caravaggio uses his mastery of the chiaroscuro technique to play with light and dark.
Today, the Bombay High Court announced that animal slaughter during the festival of Eid will be allowed. But the debate on ethics and morality continues with several people turning it into a political controversy rather than an ethical one. Morocco recently announced their ban on animal slaughter for Bakrid this year. A country with a population of 99% Muslims has taken these drastic measures keeping in mind Morocco’s harsh drought and grave economic crisis. Needless to say it has received a backlash.
But the deeper question is on the morality of animal sacrifice. Should religious traditions be exempt from anti cruelty laws? While snippets of art history are integral in shedding light on various sacrificial practices, does it mean they continue to be followed?
Several archaic rituals and cultural traditions have evolved and changed over the time just as humanity and society as a whole has. Can animal sacrifice in the name of religion be justified today?