Muslims Ñelebrate Feast of Sacrifice

Since 1 September, one of the two major holidays in the Islamic world, Kurban Bayram (the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha), is celebrated for the whole week. The holiday coincides with the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca.

According to the Qur'an, the archangel Gabriel appeared to the prophet Abraham in a dream and gave him a commandment from Allah to sacrifice his only son Ismail.

Ibrahim went to the valley of Mina to the place where now stands Mecca. His son, who knew about this, did not resist because he was obedient to the Father and God. However, it was a test. God rewarded Abraham for his loyalty and allowed him to sacrifice a sheep.

On the day of the holiday, since the morning, Muslims attend mosques and pay respects to the graves of their loved ones, and cut sacrificial animals. The meat is given to the poor and also delivered to nursing homes, boarding schools and orphanages.

In Azerbaijan, since the morning on September 12, mosques have been performing festive prayers.

On the occasion of Kurban Bayram the Cabinet of Ministers announced 1 and 2 September non-working days.-0-