Muslims across world celebrate Eid al-Adha

Muslims across the world are celebrating the Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) which marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Muslims in Indonesia have started the second day of the feast which is a time for praying in mosques, visiting relatives and shopping.

Across the Middle East, people in Iraq, Egypt, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have also celebrated the occasion.

Muslims traditionally celebrate Eid al-Adha with the sacrifice of animals like sheep, rams, goats, cattle or camels. The act commemorates Prophet Abraham (AS)’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), on divine order. Millions of Muslims around the world attend the day’s prayers.

They then distribute the meat among family, friends and the poor.

The Eid lasts up to three days and is a public holiday in Muslim countries.

More than two million Muslims, dressed in plain white clothes, have flooded Mina in Saudi Arabia, which is a valley outside the holy city of Mecca, to continue performing the Hajj rituals.

Hajj is considered as one of the five pillars of Islam and the largest act of mass pilgrimage in the world. The holy pilgrimage is also a demonstration of Muslims’ unity and their submission to Allah.

Muslims call the Hajj a unique experience, allowing them to tell the world that all people are equal as human beings.

According to the holy Quran, the Hajj pilgrimage is obligatory for all Muslims once in their lifetime, if they are able both physically and financially. The teachings of Hajj are also very significant. Muslims remember that they are not joined together on the basis of color or race. But they are joined on the basis of belief in God and his messenger.