President Rouhani on Tuesday sent separate congratulatory messages to heads of the Muslim countries on the eve of Eid al-Adha, known as the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’, which marks the end of Hajj pilgrimage and is internationally celebrated by Muslims with religious rituals.
“With great happiness, I sincerely felicitate Eid al-Adha, the festival of excellence of the most beautiful manifestations of being servants to the Unique Creator,” he said in the message.
The president also expressed the hope that the world Muslims follow the high characteristics of holy prophets to combat violence, extremism and rule of force that have plagued humanity, and would witness growing peace, calm, justice and friendship among the Islamic nations.
Muslims celebrate the Eid al-Adha to commemorate Prophet Abraham's absolute obedience to God and following the divine order to sacrifice his son Isma'il, and also the son's consent to being sacrificed.
During the festival Muslims who can afford to, sacrifice domestic animals, usually sheep, and distributed the meat among family, friends and the poor.