Eid al-Adha is a major holiday for Muslims all around the world and involves celebrations throughout the day and night.
The holiday will take place this year on Monday July 19 and will go on until Thursday July 23.
But why is it celebrated and how do Muslims in the UK mark the holiday?
Here is everything you need to know.
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Why is Eid al-Adha celebrated?
Translated to 'Feast of Sacrifice', Eid al-Adha celebrates the Islamic story that tells of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) showed willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience towards Allah - the Arabic word for 'God', typically used by Muslims worldwide.
Most interpretations of the story state that Allah intervened before Ibrahim could commit the sacrifice and instead put a lamb in Ishmael's stead.
The story of Ibrahim stands as an example for Muslims around the world as an example of leading a good life by way of obeying Allah by putting personal indifferences aside and trusting in the will of Allah, as set out in the Qur'an - the holiest scripture in Islam.
How do people celebrate Eid-al Adha in the UK?
Traditionally, animals are ritually sacrificed around the world to emulate and honour the actions of the prophet Ibrahim.
None of the meat from the animal is wasted, usually one third is consumed by the family and the rest given to the poor and needy as an act of charity, an important tenant in Islam.
In the UK, the animal must be legally killed at a slaughterhouse - and according to halal tradition which provides as little suffering for the animal as possible.
It is customary to also give out sweets and gifts, especially to children, during Eid al-Adha.
Muslims will also attend their local mosque for prayers dressed in their best clothes, usually reserved for Eid.
Spiritually, many Muslims use Eid al-Adha to focus and ask Allah for forgiveness for times they have not been fully devoted or strayed away from faith.
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