Muslims are today celebrating Eid al-Adha, one of the two most important festivals on the Muslim calendar. The day, also known as the Festival of the sacrifice or the Greater Eid, is different from Eid-al-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting (Ramadan). In Kigali, the faithful will assemble at Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo to mark the day. The Greater Eid commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son Ismael as an act of obedience to Allah. It also marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia undertaken by nearly 1.5 million Muslims from around the world. Today’s celebrations involve gatherings of family and friends, meals and exchanging gifts, among others. The key observances are Eid prayers; sacrifice of, usually sheep, cow or goat depending on region and donating one-third of the sacrifice meat to friends, neighbours, the poor as well as needy in the community.
