Muslims across the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha, one of the most important Islamic festivals held after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the sacrifice feast, is celebrated to honor the dedication and willingness of Prophet Abraham (AS) to sacrifice his son as an act of submission on God's command.
Abraham was ready to sacrifice his beloved son, but seeing his commitment, Allah intervened and, instead, asked him to sacrifice something less dear to him.
It was then that Abraham sacrificed an animal for Allah. In commemoration of this, every year on the day of Eid al-Aadha Muslims sacrifice animals like sheep, goats and camels.
The animal is not completely consumed by the family instead it is divided in three parts. The family shares one, the other is distributed among relatives and neighbors, and the third part is given to the poor.
Every year, Eid al-Adha falls on a different date as it depends on the Islamic Lunar calendar. As per the calendar, Eid-al Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and falls approximately 11 days prior to the previous year’s Eid.
In Karbala, millions of Ahl al-Bayt lovers revive the Arafa pilgrimage near the holy shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Aba Alfadhl al-Abbas, peace be upon them.
The pilgrimage is under strict security measures implemented by the local government in collaboration with the holy shrines.
The area between the two holy shrines, or Bein al-Haramein, witnesses crowds holding special prayers and rituals of Arafa Day that were recommended by the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them.