Millions of Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice. In predominantly Muslim countries, the holiday begins with a special prayer in the mosque.
Overshadowed by the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, the Eid al-Adha festival of sacrifice has begun for millions of Muslims around the world. A preacher in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, remembered the Palestinians during the ongoing Muslim pilgrimage.
“The Eid festival does not make us forget our helpless brothers (…) in Palestine,” said Sheikh Abdel Rahman al-Sudais, a senior Saudi cleric in Mecca, in a televised sermon. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam, must be protected from “aggression” and the “occupying Zionists.”
In predominantly Muslim countries, especially in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, the holiday begins with a special prayer in the mosque. Traditionally, there are also ritual slaughters. Sheep and goats in particular are slaughtered. The meat is shared among family and friends. A portion also goes to those in need. It is also common to visit family and friends.
Videos on the Internet showed Muslims gathering in the Gaza Strip in the morning for holiday prayers. Many gathered in front of the rubble of destroyed houses. The war began with Hamas’ terror attack on Israel on October 7. Since then, more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in fighting in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled health authorities.
The four-day festival is intended to commemorate the willingness of the forefather Abraham to sacrifice a son to prove his faith to God. Alongside the festival marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, Eid al-Adha is the most important celebration in Islam.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
