ADDIS ABABA — Today, Ethiopian Muslims across the country commenced the 1445th celebration of Eid al-Adha, a major four-day religious holiday observed with prayer, sacrifice, and communal solidarity.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the festivities began early this morning with hundreds of thousands of Muslims gathering for Eid prayers in Addis Ababa and throughout Ethiopia. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the Quranic tale of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as a testament to his obedience to Allah, before Allah intervened to provide a ram as an offering.

Following the congregational prayers at mosques, the traditional act of animal sacrifice was carried out, with the meat distributed to the poor, embodying the holiday's spirit of charity and community support. Eid al-Adha is not only a time for remembrance but also a celebration marked by visits to family and neighbors, and providing alms to those in need.

In his message on the eve of the holiday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended best wishes to the Muslim community and highlighted the broader significance of Eid al-Adha in terms of personal and national sacrifice for the greater good. The Prime Minister emphasized that the holiday teaches valuable lessons about the benefits of enduring challenges for future prosperity.