Eid- Adha

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Muslims around the world have begun celebrating the annual festival of Eid al-Adha - the Festival of Sacrifice - which falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Muslim lunar calendar.

Eid al-Adha is the second major Muslim festival after Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

The occasion is celebrated in most countries on Friday, July 31.

As the coronavirus pandemic rages, many Muslim-majority countries, have announced restrictions on public gatherings.

Origins 

Muslims believe the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was tested by God who commanded him to sacrifice his first-born son, Ismail (Ishmail).

Ibrahim was prepared to submit to the command, but God stayed his hand. Instead, he was told to sacrifice an animal, likely a lamb or sheep.

The Torah and the Old Testament both recount a similar version of this story.