Eid al-Adha (Islam)

Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of the hajj (pilgrimage) rites at Minā, Saudi Arabia, near Mecca, but is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world. It is distinguished by the performance of communal prayer (ṣalāt) at daybreak on its first day. Usually lasting three to four days, the holiday begins on the 10th day of the Muslim calendar lunar month of Dhul-Hijja. During the festival, families that can afford to sacrifice a ritually acceptable animal (sheep, goat, camel, or cow) do so and then divide the flesh equally among themselves, the poor, and friends and neighbors. Eid al-Adha is also a time for visiting with friends and family and for exchanging gifts.