This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
Published on August 12, 2019, Eid Ul-Adha is one of the most important holidays of the Islamic calendar, celebrated annually by billions of Muslims worldwide.
The festival marks the height of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, where Muslims from all over the world gather to perform the sacred ritual.
According to Islamic tradition, Eid Ul-Adha commemorates the story of God appearing to Abraham in a dream and commanding him to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience.
However, God stopped Abraham's hand and gave him a ram in place of his son, sparing his life.
Today, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid Ul-Adha by slaughtering their best domestic animal as a symbol of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only son.
The animal is then divided into three parts: one portion is given to the poor and needy, another is kept by the family, and the third is given to relatives.
On the day of Eid Ul-Adha, Muslims begin with morning prayers in a congregation, followed by the Khutbah, or sermon, by the Imam.
After the prayers and sermon, Muslims exchange greetings with one another (Eid Mubarak), give gifts, and visit one another.
They also wear their new or best clothes, cook special meals, and gather with family and friends to celebrate the occasion.
