Muslims across the globe began observing Eid Al Adha on Sunday, a major religious festival that falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The holiday, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” coincides with the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest religious gatherings worldwide.

This year, over 1.7 million pilgrims participated in the Hajj, a slight increase from the previous year. The pilgrimage activities commenced with prayers at Mount Arafat, a site of significant religious importance where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon. Following this, pilgrims spent the night at Muzdalifah, located between Arafat and Mina, where they collected pebbles for the symbolic ritual known as the stoning of the devil. After completing the stoning ceremony in Mina, they returned to Mecca for the final circumambulation of the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure inside the Grand Mosque that represents the focal point of Muslim prayer worldwide.

Eid Al Adha commemorates the Quranic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in an act of devotion to God. According to Islamic tradition, God intervened and spared Ismail, substituting a ram for the sacrifice. To honor this narrative, the festival is marked by the ritual slaughtering of an animal—typically a sheep, goat, or cow—with the meat distributed among family, neighbors, and those in need, emphasizing themes of faith, charity, and communal support.

While much of the Muslim world engaged in festivities, celebrations in Gaza presented a stark contrast. The territory, enduring a prolonged Israeli military offensive, has seen widespread destruction and displacement, with many residents marking Eid in overcrowded tents and shelters. Resources remain scarce, and the traditional celebratory elements such as adequate meat and festive clothing are limited. The ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other continues to cast a shadow over the region during this sacred period.

Despite regional turmoil, the observance of Eid Al Adha remains a powerful expression of religious devotion across Muslim communities worldwide, blending spiritual reflection with communal solidarity.