This significant Islamic festival marks the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and aligns with the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Eid al-Adha celebrations span the Middle East, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, with today marking the first day of the three-day festival. Key Middle Eastern countries participating in the observance include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, and Iraq.

In Türkiye, Muslims attended Eid prayers at approximately 90,000 mosques, including significant sites such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the Grand Mosque in Diyarbakır. The gathering of worshippers in these historic locations underscores the importance of communal worship during this holy period.

In Saudi Arabia, over 1.5 million pilgrims from around 180 countries performed the dawn prayer on Sunday after spending the night at Muzdalifah. This follows their descent from Mount Arafat, a crucial part of the Hajj rituals. Pilgrims will now participate in the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat Al Aqabah, perform the ritual sacrifice, and proceed to Makkah for Tawaf Al Ifada and Sai', two other essential pillars of Hajj.

The Hajj pilgrimage is a profound spiritual journey that every Muslim aims to undertake at least once in their lifetime, fulfilling one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The rites performed during Hajj commemorate the trials and triumphs of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail, as well as their unwavering faith and submission to Allah.

Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah. According to Islamic tradition, Allah intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead. This event is also recognized in Christianity and Judaism, though the narratives differ. The festival underscores themes of devotion, submission, and divine mercy.

One of the central rituals of Eid al-Adha is the sacrifice of an animal, typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. This act symbolizes Ibrahim's devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the poor and needy, one-third to relatives and friends, and one-third is retained by the family. This distribution ensures that the blessings of Eid are shared across the community, particularly with those less fortunate.

Muslims also gather for a special prayer service known as Salat al-Eid, which consists of two units (rakats) followed by a sermon (khutbah). The prayer is performed in congregation, fostering a sense of communal worship and reflection. These prayers are often held in large open spaces or mosques, bringing together communities in a unified expression of faith.

Eid al-Adha places a strong emphasis on acts of charity and giving. Muslims are encouraged to help those in need, ensuring everyone can partake in the festivities. Families and friends come together to share festive meals, often including portions of the sacrificial meat. Traditional dishes and sweets are prepared, and people wear new or their best clothes to mark the occasion. The holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity, compassion, and the well-being of the entire community.

Eid al-Adha is a time for Muslims to reflect on the values of sacrifice, devotion, and compassion. It strengthens the sense of community and charity, reminding believers of their duties towards their faith and fellow human beings. Despite cultural variations in traditions, the core essence of sacrifice, charity, and communal harmony remains the same across the Muslim world. The festival not only commemorates a pivotal moment in Islamic history but also reinforces the principles of faith, unity, and social responsibility that are central to Islam.

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha, the shared rituals and collective prayers highlight the universal themes of devotion and sacrifice, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among the global Muslim community. (ILKHA)