By Atoyebi Nike
Muslims worldwide observed Eid-el-Kabir on Friday, June 6, 2025, with early morning congregational prayers followed by animal sacrifices in homes and communities. Dressed in vibrant garments, worshippers gathered at various prayer grounds before returning home for the symbolic slaughter of rams, goats, cows, or camels.
The occasion, known for love, unity, and generosity, also saw participation from non-Muslims in the communal feasts, where fried meat dishes were widely shared across neighborhoods. The festival coincided with the conclusion of the Hajj in Mecca, where over 1.5 million pilgrims performed rituals including prayers at Mount Arafat and the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina — acts rooted in Prophet Abraham’s story.
Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a spiritual journey that all able Muslims must complete at least once. Saudi Arabia, which hosts the pilgrimage, earns billions from the religious tourism and holds custodianship over Islam’s two holiest sites.
