Muslims celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha

Muslims in the Valley and around the world are observing the holiday of Eid-Ul-Adha, or “Festival of the Sacrifice,” today.

Eid-Ul-Adha commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command.

An important ritual followed by many Muslims around the world is sacrificing a lamb on Eid day and sharing its meat with friends, family and the needy.

Eid-Ul-Adha marks the end of the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj. More than two million pilgrims, including thousands of American Muslims, go to Mecca, the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and Islam’s holiest place, on Hajj yearly. Therefore, Hajj is considered the largest annual convention taking place ever.

Pilgrims follow the Hajj rituals, which symbolize the trials of Prophet Abraham, his wife, Hagar, and their son, Ishmael, in Mecca.

Pilgrims start their pilgrimage by visiting the Ka’abah, the first shrine built to worship the One God. Ka’abah is the direction where all Muslims around the globe face while performing their prayers.

Pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith and is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.

The other four pillars are: Declaration of Faith, performing the five daily prayers, giving in charity and fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Muslims celebrate the Eid holiday with early communal prayers in colorful dress and exchange the greetings “Eid Mubarak” or “Blessed Eid.”

The Valley Muslims will have an Eid dinner gathering Sunday at Mahoning Country Club.

Randa Shabayek is a member of the Masjid Al-Kheir mosque in Youngstown.