Eid al-Adha (in Turkish, Kurban Bayrami) is the festival
that marks the close of the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage
to Mecca. It is a three day religious festival celebrated
by Muslims that falls during the Hajj season at a time
when the example of Prophet Abraham and his family is
also commemorated during the pilgrimage rituals.
"Eid al-Adha" is an Arabic term which means
the festival of sacrifice. During this festival, Muslims
everywhere celebrate the faith of Abraham and the mercy
of God in allowing the ram to be sacrificed instead of
Abraham's son. The meat of the animal offered by most
families is distributed to the poor, as well as shared
with relatives and acquaintances. Muslims celebrate Eid
al-Adha with community prayers, by visiting each other,
and by exchanging gifts.
