Eid-al-Adha

The story goes that God asked Ibrahim to prove his devotion by offering his son Ismail as a sacrifice. Ibrahim agreed, but as he was about to kill his son, God intervened and sent a sheep instead. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha by following Ibrahim's example and sacrificing an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat is then distributed among family, friends, neighbours, and the poor. Eid al-Adha also marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj. Millions of Muslims visit the holy city and perform rituals such as circling the Kaaba, the black cube that is the house of God. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims also attend special prayers at the mosque, wear their best clothes, exchange gifts, and greet each other with the phrase 'Eid Mubarak', which means 'blessed festival'. Eid al-Adha is a time of joy, gratitude, and generosity. It reminds Muslims of the values of submission, compassion, and solidarity that are central to their faith.