DEARBORN — On Nov.15, hundreds gathered at the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn to watch a reenactment of the pilgrimage performed by students of the Muslim American Youth Academy.

Children from the Muslim American Youth Academy reenact the pilgrimage at the Islamic Center of America on Monday. PHOTO: Natasha Dado/TAAN

The Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha was celebrated Tuesday Nov.16 to Nov.18 by Muslims across the globe in remembrance of Ibrahim’s commitment to sacrifice his son Ishmael in submission to God’s order. After Ibrahim agreed and proceeded to do so, God stopped him and had him sacrifice a sheep instead.

Depending on the country, celebrations could last more than three days.

Eid al-Adha takes place the day after the pilgrims conduct Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims from around the world after descending from Mt. Arafat. The Hajj is the largest pilgrimage in the world and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be fulfilled by every Muslim who can afford it. During the Hajj Muslims demonstrate their submission to God. Ihram is the name of the special state Muslims live in while performing the pilgrimage. Although the Hajj is associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad, it is believed that the pilgrimage to Mecca dates back to the era of Prophet Abraham.  

The pilgrims conduct numerous rituals. Each one is expected to walk counter-clockwise seven times around a cube-shaped building called the Kaaba, then run back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, drink from the Zaman Well, stand vigil at the plain of Mount Arafat and throw stones at a monument representing the devil. Afterwards, male pilgrims shave their heads and everyone performs an animal sacrifice, usually a sheep, following the command that God originally gave to Ibrahim.  After the series of rituals are complete, Eid al-Adha is celebrated.    

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama issued a statement extending their greetings for a happy Eid al-Adha to Muslims around the world and wished those traveling to perform the Hajj a safe trip. According to a report issued by the White House this year about three million pilgrims from more than 160 countries have gathered in Mecca and neighboring sites to perform the Hajj rituals and stand together in prayer. “On behalf of the American people, we extend our best wishes during this Hajj season. Eid Mubarak and Hajj Mabrouk,” President Obama said.