Muslims celebrate Gurban Bayram

On October 15, the Islamic world celebrates one of two major holidays - Gurban Bayram (Feast of Sacrifice, in Arabic Eid al-Adha). The holiday coincides with the end of the hajj - the pilgrimage to Mecca.

According to the Koran, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) in a dream and gave him a commandment from God to sacrifice his only son Ismail. Ibrahim went to the valley of Mina to the place where Mecca now stands. His son, who knew about this, did not resist because he was obedient to his Father and God. However, it was a test. God rewarded Ibrahim for his loyalty and allowed him to sacrifice an animal instead of his son.

In the morning, Muslims attend mosques and cemeteries, and slaughter sacrificial animals. Sacrifices are made to distribute meat to the poor and needy.

In Azerbaijan, the morning of 15 October will be marked by prayers in the mosques. One of the places where people traditionally sacrifice animals is at the Mirmovsum Aga shrine in the village Shuvalan (Baku suburb).

From there, meat is carried to almshouses, orphanages and children's homes.

This year, 3,700 pilgrims from Azerbaijan went on pilgrimage to Mecca.—0—