When Sacrificial Animals Become Content: The Flexing Trend During Eid al-Adha

26 May 2026

 

“MasyaAllah, that cow is huge.”

Comments like this almost always appear during Eid al-Adha, especially on social media. From videos of giant cows and “sultan-level” goats to posts revealing the astonishing prices of sacrificial animals, such content quickly fills everyone’s timeline. On one hand, this can reflect gratitude and the spirit of sharing. On the other hand, the growing trend of flexing sacrificial animals raises a new question: is the meaning of qurban slowly shifting into a form of social validation?

In today’s social media era, almost everything can easily turn into content — even acts of worship.

When Worship Starts to Be Compared

Without realizing it, social media has conditioned many people to see other people’s lives as a benchmark. Seeing posts featuring large sacrificial animals, multiple qurban donations, or comment sections filled with praise can sometimes make others feel inadequate.

“I can’t afford that yet.”
“My qurban is too small.”
“Maybe I can’t do it this year.”

In reality, qurban is not about who gives the biggest or the most expensive sacrifice, but about sincerity and personal capability. At the end of the day, the value of sacrifice is not measured by how viral the content becomes, but by the intention and meaning behind it.

The Flexing Culture and Financial Pressure on Today’s Generation

Interestingly, this flexing culture does not only happen during Eid al-Adha.

Today, many people live under constant pressure to always appear financially “successful.” From lifestyle choices, vacations, and the latest gadgets to visible financial achievements, social image has become increasingly important.

As a result, many people push themselves beyond their actual financial capacity just to maintain appearances.

Even though everyone’s financial situation is different.

Some may look wealthy on social media but actually have no emergency fund. Others may appear simple, yet quietly prepare financial protection and secure their family’s future wisely.

Because true financial peace is not about looking rich — it is about being prepared for life’s uncertainties.

Eid al-Adha Teaches Us About Priorities

Behind the noise of social media, Eid al-Adha actually carries a much deeper message: sincerity, compassion, and the willingness to prioritize what truly matters.

It is not only about giving today, but also about protecting the future of our loved ones.

Because in real life, financial challenges do not stop after the holiday ends. Living costs continue to rise. Health risks can come unexpectedly. Family responsibilities keep growing.

That is why, besides sharing with others, it is equally important to ensure that our own families are properly protected.

Protection Is Not About Showing Off, But About Being Prepared

Unlike social media flexing, which is temporary, financial protection is often invisible to others.

It is not posted online. It does not go viral. It does not collect likes.

Yet its impact can be life-changing when unexpected risks occur.

Having insurance does not mean expecting bad things to happen. Instead, it is a form of responsibility — ensuring that our families have support during difficult and uncertain times.

Just like the true meaning of qurban teaches us to give the best for the people we love, financial protection is also part of safeguarding their future.

Because Life Is Not About Looking the Most Successful

In an era where everyone competes to showcase their achievements, perhaps we need to remind ourselves that life is not a competition about who appears the most successful.

Not everything needs to be displayed. Not every achievement needs social media validation.
And not every form of love is visible on the surface.

Sometimes, the greatest form of love comes from quiet decisions: preparing an emergency fund, maintaining family financial stability, and having protection for the future of our loved ones.

Because ultimately, what matters most is not how secure we appear on social media, but how secure our families truly are in real life.

PFI Mega Life believes that every family has dreams worth protecting. Through the right protection and financial planning, every step toward the future can be taken with greater peace of mind and confidence.

Happy Eid al-Adha. May the spirit of sincerity, compassion, and meaningful sacrifice continue to guide us in every step of life.

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