Muslims around the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha. Also known as “The Festival of Sacrifice.” This celebration is held to commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. This year it is to be celebrated around November 27.

The story of Abraham is well documented and carries many messages of faith and love. As the story tells, Abraham was very loyal and obedient to Allah. As a strong follower, he was given many trials to test his faith. One of his main trials was the command of Allah to kill his only son.

Placing his faith in Allah, Abraham was prepared to submit to His will and planned to take the life of his own son. Moments before the act, Allah appeared and revealed to Abraham that his “sacrifice” had already been fulfilled.

By accepting the command and intending to follow through with the murder of his son, he had proven that his love for his Lord superseded all others. He had proven to Allah that he would lay down his own life, or the lives of those dear to him, in order to submit to his God.

On the holiday of Eid al-Adha, Muslims honour and remember Abraham and his trials. They show their respect for his faith by slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel or goat.

Those outside of these beliefs often misunderstand this act. It is not meant to atone for sin, but is intended as an act of selflessness. Sacrificing a valuable animal symbolizes a willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts.

Of the meat that is taken from the animal, the family and their relatives eat usually only third. Then a third is given away to friends and the remaining third is donated to the poor.

To celebrate this day, Muslims around the world attend Morning Prayer at their local mosques. Prayers are then followed by visits to family and friends and the exchange of greetings and gifts.