Muslims around the world celebrated Eid-ul-Azha on Monday, one of the two most important festivals of the Islamic calendar.
The world’s 1.5 billion Muslims marked the start of Eid al-Adha, or the feast of sacrifice on Monday, while in Saudi Arabia nearly 2 million pilgrims performed one of the final rites of the hajj by symbolically stoning the devil.
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha to commemorate Ibrahim’s, or Abraham’s, test of faith in God. They believe Ibrahim committed to kill his only son Ismail on the command of God.
Having tested Ibrahim’s faith, God sent a lamb in the boy’s place.
During the holiday, which ends Thursday, Muslims slaughter sheep or goats to share with family, friends and the needy.
Highlights from Eid ul Adha celebration
From Jakarta to Jerusalem and from Peshawar to Moscow, Muslims celebrate Islam’s holiest festival.
