Millions of Muslims Gather for Eid al-Adha Prayers Across the Globe

Millions of Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most important religious festivals, as the annual Hajj pilgrimage concludes in Saudi Arabia.

The celebration, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. This year’s observance comes as more than 1.7 million pilgrims gather in the holy cities of Mecca, Mina and Mount Arafat for Hajj rites.

Pilgrims performed prayers at Mount Arafat before moving to Muzdalifah, where they collected pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina. The final stage of the pilgrimage includes circling the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before a ram was provided in his place. Muslims traditionally mark the occasion by sacrificing animals such as sheep, goats or cows and sharing the meat with relatives, neighbours and the less privileged.

Across different countries, worshippers gathered in mosques, open grounds and public squares for special Eid prayers. Celebrations were held in places including Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Russia, Sudan, Iraq, Kenya and Lebanon.

In Gaza, however, many Palestinian families observed the holiday under difficult humanitarian conditions, with displaced residents praying near destroyed buildings and temporary shelters following months of conflict.

Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the Eid celebrations reflected themes of faith, unity, charity and devotion among Muslims worldwide.

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