Muslims in some parts of the world are sacrificing animals today (Sunday) to celebrate the religious festival of Eid ul Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice.
This festival is celebrated in the twelfth Islamic month which is called Zil Hajj. It is the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Today, Muslims across the Middle East, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia mark the first day of the three-day Eid ul Adha celebration.
Middle Eastern countries include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman and Iraq.
According to the Saudi GazetteMuslims in Saudi Arabia attended Eid prayers on Sunday at more than 12,000 mosques, including the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
Meanwhile, more than 1.5 million pilgrims from around 180 countries attended the dawn prayer on Sunday, after spending the night at the holy site of Muzdalifah following their descent from Arafat on Saturday after sunset, as part of the rituals of the Hajj.
Now they will throw stones at Jamarat Al Aqabah and perform the ritual of sacrifice, the men will shave their heads and then leave for Mecca to perform Tawaf Al Ifada and Sai', two other pillars of Hajj. Saudi Gazette reported.
Meanwhile, Muslims in the UAE kicked off Eid ul Adha celebrations with prayers and greetings on Sunday morning. Khaleej Times reported.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed on Saturday sent congratulatory cables to kings, emirs and presidents of Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion.
Sheikh Mohamed wished them and their people continued progress, prosperity and stability.
Residents of the United Arab Emirates are marking the holiday with a four-day weekend that began on Saturday and will last until Tuesday.
Additionally, residents of Abu Dhabi and Dubai will enjoy impressive fireworks at different locations at 9 pm on Sunday.
