Eid Al Adha
Muslim pilgrims walk on roads as they head to cast stones at pillars symbolizing Satan during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina on the first day of Eid al-Adha, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 12, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah

Millions of Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha, the holiday marking the end of the annual hajj to the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca. The day is a reminder of the time when Prophet Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son but was told by God to sacrifice an animal instead.

Eid al-Adha is marked by worshippers typically slaughtering an animal like a goat, sheep or cow. One-third of the meat is supposed to be eaten, one-third is to be shared with friends or neighbors, one-third to be donated to the needy. In many parts of the world, Eid al-Adha is also called the "Sacrifice Feast" or "Bakr-Eid."

Some Muslims choose to make the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, and are expected to perform two rituals — Umrah and Hajj.

Muslims greet their friends and family using the most common term, “Eid Mubarak,” or “Blessed Eid.” However, other words such as “Kul ’am wa inta bekhair,” or “May every year see you in good health,” and “Eid Saeed,” or “Happy Eid,” are also used.

Here are some sayings to celebrate the feast of sacrifice after hajj.

  1. And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as Mujrimoon (criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) [Hud 11:52]
  2. You cannot guide those you would like to but God guides those He wills. He has best knowledge of the guided. [Holy Quran/28: 56]
  3. He is the One GOD; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorifying Him is everything in the heavens and the earth. He is the Almighty, Most Wise. [59:24]
  4. And let not those among you who are blessed with graces and wealth swear not to give (any sort of help) to their kinsmen, Al-Masakin (the poor), and those who left their homes for Allah's Cause. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [AnNur24:22]
  5. It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad) to the Muhsinum (doers of good). [Surah Al-Hajj (22:37)]
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