EID al-Adha is the second of the two festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It is not only a celebration but a reminder of the spirit that each believer must adopt in his life. The special day begins with two units of namaz, to remind the believer of his duty towards God, his fellow human beings and of his pledge to lead a pious life. This festival is a celebration of the Prophet Abraham’s sacrifices in the way of God. The festivities last for three days.

The celebration is a tribute to the Prophet Abraham’s unwavering faith in God. Abraham is the common patriarch of the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Abraham and his son Ishmael were both Messengers of God. Together, they built the Kabah in Makkah. Abraham established the rites of Hajj—the pilgrimage to Makkah—by calling humankind to the house of God.

God tested Abraham by asking him, in a dream, to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. When Abraham told his son about his dream, the latter replied, “O my father, do as you are commanded; and God willing, you will find me steadfast.” Abraham then led his son for the sacrifice. At that moment God called out to Abraham that he had already fulfilled His command. It had been a great trial of Abraham’s intention and God accepted this as his sacrifice. God sent a ram to be sacrificed instead.

After the fulfillment of God’s commands, Abraham was made a leader of humankind.