Muslims gear up for Eid al-Adha

Tue Nov 16, 2010

Millions of Muslims across the world are preparing to celebrate the annual Eid al-Adha event marking the end of the rituals in Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca.

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is considered as one of the most important Islamic festivals commemorating Prophet Abraham's willingness to submit to God's command in sacrificing his beloved son, Ismail.

The holy feast takes place on the 10th day of the lunar month of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.

On the day of the Eid, a major Islamic holiday, pilgrims throw pebbles at rock pillars that symbolize the devil. Muslim pilgrims will then sacrifice a sheep, goat, or camel to show their gratitude for Allah's generosity and blessings and distribute the meat among the poor.

In Iran, people observe Eid al-Adha, called Eid-e Qurban in Persian, by taking part in the congregational prayers, sacrificing and distributing sheep's meat among the poor, as well as passing out a variety of sweets and confectionaries.

Eid-e Qurban is considered as one of the most important religious festivals in Iran; for Iranians it is the feast of love and brotherhood.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Monday described the annual Hajj pilgrimage as a symbol of monotheism and spirituality.

"During the Hajj season, the Ka'ba, which is the secret to unity and dignity, and the symbol of monotheism and spirituality, hosts enthusiastic and hopeful individuals, who converge on the birthplace of Islam, from across the world in response to God Almighty's invitation," said the Leader in a message on the occasion of the annual Hajj rituals.

"The Muslim Ummah can witness the compact image of its enormity and the diversity and the depth of faith in the hearts of the followers of this monotheist religion through the eyes of its representatives who have gathered here from the four corners of the world, and can become familiar with this tremendous and unique asset," the message read.

Ayatollah Khamenei also emphasized in his message that the growing wave of Islamic reawakening across the world heralds a glorious future for the Muslim community.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://presstv.ir/detail/151190.html.