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Eid al-Adha celebrated today

15 November 2010 21:11 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. Muslims around the world celebrate holy Eid al-Adha today. APA reports that Eid al-Adha, one of the most sacred holidays of the Islamic world, is solemnly marked in all Muslim countries. On this occasion, the Azerbaijani Cabinet has declared November 16-17, 2010 as non-working days.

Sacrificing a domestic animal on that day is related to Prophet Ibrahim. Muslims remember the story of the Prophet Ibrahim that is told in the Koran. Ibrahim dreamed that Allah wanted him to kill his beloved son, Ismail. To show his willingness to obey Allah, Ibrahim got ready to kill his son. Ibrahim heard Allahâ€™s voice telling him to stop. Allah told him that he had proved his love by willing to give up his son. He gave Ibrahim a lamb from the heavens to sacrifice instead. Therefore, Muslims, who can afford to do so, sacrifice their best domestic animals (usually sheep, but also camels, cows, and goats) as a symbol of Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The meat has to be distributed among the poor.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan and usually lasts for four days. Animals are sacrificed on this sacred day in Baku and all regions of Azerbaijan.

APA congratulates the Azerbaijani people on holy Eid al-Adha.