Hajj and the Celebration of Eid Adha

In Saudi Arabia, Within the City Of Makkah, you will find a grand mosque called 'Al-Haram Shareef'. Within this blessed and very holy mosque is the 'Kaabah Shareef', built by Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Hazrat Ismail (Ishmael).

This is the place where millions of Muslims from across the globe unite annually and perform The Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage, an obligation for all able muslims who have the health and wealth to perform it atleast once in their lifetime, One of the 5 Pillars Of Islam.

Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world make the journey to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the annual pilgrimage (or Hajj). Dressed in the same simple white clothing to represent human equality, the pilgrims gather to perform rites dating back to the time of Abraham.

At the end of the Hajj , Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2008, Eid al-Adha will begin on December 8th, and will last for three days.

During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. While celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat.