Eid al-Adha 2016: 10 Pictures Of Muslim Holiday And Sacred Animal Sacrifice

“Eid Mubarak!” The Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha officially began Monday and continues through Thursday. It's also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or the Greater Eid and is held in observance of the biblical story of Abraham’s sacrifice to God.

Eid al-Adha marks the end of Hajj, one of the largest religious gatherings that requires Muslims to embark on a major pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims greet each other using the most common term, “Eid Mubarak,” or “Blessed Eid.”

Eid al-Adha typically begins with morning prayers and celebrations involving visiting with friends and family. Historically, the holiday involves animal sacrifices, or a “qurbani.” For those who can afford it, animals – typically a cow, sheep or goat – are slaughtered and the meat is divided and distributed to the poor.

The ritualistic slaughter is done to commemorate the story of Abraham, who was asked by God in a dream to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience. As Abraham was about to act, God instead bestowed upon him a sheep to kill in his son’s place. Versions of the story appear in the Bible’s Old Testament.

Many Muslims will also donate to charities and gifts are exchanged during the holiday.

The Eid-al-Adha festival is dependent upon the sighting of the new moon. Because of this, Muslims in some countries may not celebrate the holiday until Tuesday.

Eid al-Adha is the second of two major holidays in the Islamic religion. The other is another Eid holiday called Eid al-Fitr, which is a holiday that is celebrated following the end of the Ramadan month of fasting.