Warm greetings to all, from Muslims in Martin as we celebrate a three-day festival known as Eid al-Adha.

We are joining in spirit with the millions gathered in Mecca to perform their sacred duty.

Beyond its profound religious significance to Muslims, this annual pilgrimage constitutes the world’s most diverse peaceful congregation. The variety of nations and cultures represented by those who gather in Mecca each year is a powerful reminder that ethnic differences need not divide us when we share common purposes and values.

The pilgrimage provides striking proof that, by building on the strong foundations of mutual respect and tolerance, we can achieve peace and reconciliation in our world.

I have to admit that beside the happiness that I have for this holiday, once again I am suffering a “split.” Eid was the most welcoming holiday for me. From helping my dad purchasing rams, getting new clothes tailored, organizing parties with friends, dreaming about the money and gifts I would collect during those days, family gathering, seeing the whole city colorful and joyful, to just enjoy the mouton, all I can do today being in Martin is just dream about it.

Every year I remember having a good time celebrating the Eid Al-Adha at my parent’s house. I miss visiting family members and parents, receiving gifts and helping my mom distribute the meat. One third to the poor, one third to neighbors and relatives while one third is supposed to be kept by the person who offered the sacrifice for use within his or her own family but my dad would get two rams to make sure that everybody was happy.

Eid al-Adha (The Festival of the Sacrifice) is one of two major Islamic celebrations and takes place on the tenth day of the Islamic month, Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar in which millions of Muslims from around the world make an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in order to worship Allah (God) and to commemorate the willingness of the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ishmael in response to a command from God.

We have to remember that one of Abraham’s main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah’s will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his “sacrifice” had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to Allah. God replaced Ishmael with a sheep at the last second and the sheep was slaughtered instead.

While pilgrims in Mecca re-enact this scene by slaughtering sheep of their own, Muslims who can afford it also participate in this rite by slaughtering sheep, camels and cows.

This action is often misunderstood by those outside the faith. Allah has given us power over animals and allow us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life.

Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

Distributing the meat symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own rewards, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need.

We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others. Therefore I am sharing this special holiday with everybody.

Ousmane Diop is a senior Travel and Tourism/Agribusiness major from Senegal.