Muslims celebrate Eidul Azha as over 2 million pilgrims conduct Haj rites

Published August 21, 2018
Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy). — AFP
Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy). — AFP

Muslims are celebrating Eidul Azha as over two million pilgrims carry out the final rites of the Haj in Saudi Arabia.

Haj pilgrims proceeded to Mina on Tuesday to cast pebbles at the three columns that symbolify the devil. Muslims believe Prophet Ibrahim's faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his only son, the Prophet Ismail, and that the devil tried to talk Prophet Ibrahim (AS) out of submitting to God's will there.

However, god stayed his hand, sparing his son. In the Christian and Jewish version of the event, Prophet Ibrahim is ordered to kill his other son, Prophet Isaac (Ishaq).

The final days of Haj coincide with the Eidul Azha holiday, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith. Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute the meat to the poor.

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