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Eid-ul-Adha coincides with the final rites of the annual Hajj, the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Eid-ul-Adha is traditionally marked by the slaughter of an animal, typically a goat, sheep, cow, bull or camel. Picture: Nigel Sibanda
Thousands of Muslims in South Africa and across the globe are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), one of the auspicious days in the Islamic calendar that commemorates sacrifice and submission to Allah (God).
The day begins very early with the Eid prayer.
Sacrifice
Eid-ul-Adha honours the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to obey Allah’s command that he sacrifice his only son Ismail, ignoring the devil’s attempts to dissuade him from the act.
At the very point of sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, to be slaughtered in place of his son.
This command from Allah was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command without question.
WATCH: Zakiyah Muhammad speaks to The Citizen at Bosmont Masjid, west of Johannesburg,
Zakiyah Muhammad speaks to The Citizen at Bosmont Masjid, west of Johannesburg, 7 June 2025. Video: @nigelsibanda #EidAlAdha #BosmontMasjid #Muslims #Hajj @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/ChfSpOhYyc
— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) June 7, 2025
ALSO READ: SA Muslims to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr on Monday, marking end of Ramadan [VIDEO]
‘Special day’
Speaking to The Citizen at Bosmont Masjid, Zakiyah Muhammad said Eid-ul-Adha is a very “special day for Muslims in South Africa and around the world”.
“There are those in Saudi Arabia completing their pilgrimage and this is part of the sacrifice. We are not in Saudi, but we still celebrate by sacrificing our sheep.”
Eid-ul-Adha is traditionally marked by the slaughter of an animal, typically a goat, sheep, cow, bull or camel, with the meat shared among neighbours, family members and the poor.
Thousands of Muslims in #Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, 7 June 2025, celebrates the second significant Islamic holiday, #EidAlAdha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah. Video: @nigelsibanda @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/ABV3xhvxxA
— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) June 7, 2025
ALSO READ: More than a million pilgrims prepare for start of Hajj on 4 June
Hajj
The Eid period this year runs from 6-9 June and coincides with the final rites of the annual Hajj, the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
On Friday, pilgrims cast stones they picked up in Muzdalifah after spending the night under the stars at the Jamarat or stoning of the devil, sacrificed animals and had their heads shaved for the 10th day of Dul Hijjah, which marks Eid-ul-Adha.
An estimated 1.6 million-plus pilgrims stoned the devil, throwing their pebbles at the concrete walls in Mina.
The ritual of casting a pebble and shaving the head marks a solemn moment – a rebirth, a complete submission to God and a victory over evil.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Pilgrims commence final rites of Hajj as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha
