Id al Adha

One of the two canonical festivals of Islam. This festival occurs at the end of the period of the Mecca pilgrimage, on the tenth and following three days of the last month of the year, Dhu al-Hijjah. The festival commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son. Abraham's sacrifice is believed by Muslims to have occurred at Mina outside of Mecca. Muhammad started this festival during his second year at Medina when it was impossible for early Muslims to observe the pilgrimage to Mecca. Id al Adha is marked by rejoicing, feasting, and the wearing of new clothes. All who can afford to are supposed to sacrifice a legal animal (sheep, goats, camels, or cattle) and then equally distribute the meat among themselves, friends, neighbors, and the poor.