Eid al-Adha celebrated by Muslims at events around Calgary

Thousands of Muslims gathered for prayers and celebration Monday morning around Calgary for Eid al-Adha, which marks the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Every year, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha the festival of the sacrifice marking the end of the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, by slaughtering sheep, goats, cows and camels to commemorate the prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on God's command.

Eid al-Adha is one of twoEidsMuslims celebrate the other is Eidal-Fitr,which marks the end ofRamadan.

In Calgary, the holy event was celebrated in several places, including the Don Hartman Sportsplex in the northeast, St. Thomas United Church in Hawkwood, and the Green Dome Mosque in SaddleRidge.

Imam Syed Soharwardy the founder of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada, says Eid al-Adha is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar, and one that brings together Calgarians of different faiths.

"Other Calgarians can remember the sacrifice of prophet Abraham, and Ishmael and Isaac. Because all three religionsJudaism, Christianity and Islam the patriarch of all three religions is Prophet Abraham. So, this festival brings us together," he said.

"So this is the day of unity with those people who do not believe in Islam but definitely respect the prophets of almighty God."

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