Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated all Azerbaijani people on the sacred Eid al-Adha (Qurban Holiday).

"Eid al-Adha ceremonies annually performed in Azerbaijan with a great sense of joy urge people to live in peace and tranquility, become a triumph of national and spiritual solidarity, humanism and brotherhood in our society. These days, our country conducts extensive charity events, every Muslim who has the ability helps the needy with an open heart," he said.

The president wished all good health, happiness to families and abundance to homes of all Azerbaijanis.

The Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO) chairman Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade also congratulated the Azerbaijani people on Eid al-Adha.

"In this holy month, we ask God for mercy. We beseech Him to grant our Motherland and our people happy future, welfare and prosperity. I beseech Allah to accept your sacrifice, prayer and worship," says the congratulatory message of the sheikh.

"I as the Sheikh-ul-Islam bless the people of Azerbaijan wish that Allah has bestowed upon us his mercy.May Allah accept your sacrifice and fulfill your heart's desire," Pashazade stressed.

Azerbaijan marks Qurban Holiday or Feast of the Sacrifice on October 25-26. This Holiday is one of the oldest holidays, which is celebrated in all Muslim countries.

The Holiday namaz (prayers) will be held in Ajdar Bey and Taza Pir mosques in the capital Baku.

During the holiday wealthy families sacrifice a sheep or another animal, such as a lamb, etc., and distribute meat among poor and indigent. It symbolizes the compassion towards the poor and also calls on people to help each other.

The religious ritual of sacrificing existed long before Islam. New goals and causes of the ritual emerged in the Islamic world after the second year of the Hijrah (the year when Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina).

Thus, the religious rite of sacrificing strengthened such symbols in Islam as a high spiritual state, religion, patronage and help to others.

The religious rite appeared after the case with Prophet Ibrahim, who dreamed that Allah ordered him to sacrifice his son Ismail to test his faith.

As a true believer, Ibrahim was ready to follow the orders of Allah. Ismail himself was ready to become a victim. However, according to the holy Quran, Allah sent a sheep and it was sacrificed instead.

The main goal of the Qurban Holiday is to become a true believer. Quran says: "Allah needs neither meat nor blood of the animal, only your faith".