Iran's President Congratulates Muslim Nations on Eid al-Adha
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani congratulated heads of the Islamic countries on Eid al-Adha, one of greatest religious festivals of Muslims, and hoped for stronger unity in the Islamic world.
In separate congratulatory messages to leaders of the Muslim countries on Sunday, President Rouhani expressed the hope that Muslims would strengthen cooperation and rapport to portray the true image of Islam, which is based upon mercy and justice.
The president also hoped for efforts to solidify unity among the Muslims and counter division and hostility in the Islamic world.
The Eid al-Adha is Islam's holiest festival celebrated annually around the world and an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries.
In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha occurs on the 10th day of the Dhu al-Hijjah and is also the third day of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
For Muslims, Eid al-Adha commemorates the day when Prophet Abraham was going to sacrifice his son but was instructed by God to offer an animal instead. Eid al-Adha in Arabic literally means "festival of the sacrifice".
Traditionally, the festival lasts for four days but public holidays vary from country to country.
In Iran, Eid al-Adha is a one-day public holiday.
