Somalis join millions of Muslims around the world in celebrating Eid al-Adha

Millions of  Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Eid al-Adha (the greater Eid) is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar, along with the Eid al-Fitr (the lesser Eid) some two months earlier, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

In Mogadishu, thousands of people came out to open-air venues on the outskirts of the restive Somali capital Mogadishu to take part in the mass prayers to celebrate the annual Muslim Eid al-Adha.

Wearing their best clothes, Somali men, women and children gathered to listen to sermons given by local religious leaders.

During the festival people are encouraged to forgive and wish each other a happy, peaceful and prosperous year.

Somali government officials have also taken part in mass prayers held in Isbahaysiga Mosque of the capital Mogadishu.

After Eid al-Adha prayers, Muslims traditionally sacrifice animals — ‘Udhiyah’ in Arabic — to commemorate the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to obey God’s command by sacrificing his son Ismail.

The day’s celebrations are characterized by early morning prayers, visiting families and friends and those who live in Mogadishu, they spend few hours enjoying the sun and the sand of the capital’s famous Lido beach.

1.5 million Muslim pilgrims are completing their ritual journey to the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, known as the Hajj.