Eid-ul-Adha coincides with the end of the annual pilgrimage to Makkah and commemorates Abrahim's willingness to sacrifice his own son in obedience to Allah.

Muslims marked the day with communal prayers; the exchanging of small gifts, particularly for children; donations of meat for the poor; and celebrations with friends and family.

Around the world, many performed a ritual slaughter of lambs, goats and cows.

This year about 2 million Muslims clad in white completed the pilgrimage to Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia, the site of the Prophet Mohammed's S.A.W final sermon.

Eid Al Adha and Hajj are celebrated every year, and every year it conveys a new message in the context of the times they live in. For Muslims, it’s a message that true faith demands sacrifices.