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Understanding the importance of Eid Al-Adha, the holiest festival of Islam

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Eid Al-Adha is one of two major Islamic festivals celebrated annually around the globe. It is considered to be the most holy festival for adherents of the Islamic faith. The festival takes place on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah as per the Islamic lunar calendar , however, according to the Gregorian calendar, the date changes every year. This year, the festival will begin on August 21, and end on August 22.

The festival commemorates Ibrahim, and his readiness to sacrifice his own son Ismail to prove is devotion to Allah. Seeing Ibrahim’s determination and loyalty, Allah spared Ismail just as his father brought down the knife, and replaced him with a goat, also known as Zibhin Azeem, or the great sacrifice. As a reward for his commitment, Ibrahim was blessed with yet another son, Ishaq. It is to commemorate this holy event, that Muslims around the world take part in sacrificing, and then feasting on a holy animal, known as the Udhiyah.

The festival also marks the end of the holy pilgrimage of Hajj, wherein Muslims embark on a trip to the holy land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to offer their prayers. Hajj is one of the 5 tenets of Islam. The other four are: Salat (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), Shahada (Creed), and Sawm (Fasting). Every year, over 2 million Muslims travel to Mecca and pray to God facing the Kaaba shrine.

Muslim men, women and children dress up in their finest attire, offer their morning prayers, and then prepare several sweets and delicacies such as Biryani, Kebabs, seared lamb, Tagine, etc, which are distributed amongst family, friends and even the poor. Muslims strongly believe that no soul should go hungry on this auspicious and holy day.

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