Millions of Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Adha, one of the biggest holidays of the Islamic calendar, which coincides with the final rites of the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. RFE/RL showcases the celebrations across its regions.
From Our Regions: Muslims Celebrate Eid Al-Adha
The sun rises near Farkhor, Tajikistan, close to the Afghan border, where Tajik religious officials announced that morning prayers for Eid al-Adha would begin at 6 a.m. on June 16.
Eid al-Adha, often called the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Judeo-Christian traditions) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God.
Muslims gather to reflect on their deeds as they seek forgiveness and express gratitude at the Central Mosque in Khujand, Tajikistan.
According to Islamic belief, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead.
Muslims gather near a gasoline station as they attend morning prayers near Moscow's Memorial Mosque at Victory Park.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated to honor Ibrahim's devotion and faith.
Russian police keep an eye on men near the Moscow Cathedral Mosque.
Muslims around the world traditionally sacrifice an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, in an act that symbolizes the sacrifice made by Ibrahim.
Worshippers attend Eid al-Adha prayers at Pristina's Grand Mosque.
The meat from the sacrifice is typically divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the needy.
Outside the Grand Mosque, Kosovar devotees offered prayers.
In Bishkek, mosques were full of worshippers.
Early morning prayers were offered outside Kazan's Mardzhnani (Marcani) Mosque in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan. It is the only mosque in Kazan that evaded closure during the Soviet period, and the oldest mosque is still in operation.
In the village of Kolmakcha, in the Nizhnekamsk region of Tatarstan, parishioners gather for early morning prayers as their mosque (in the background) undergoes repairs.
A ray of sunshine illuminates early arrivals to the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo.
A young Bosnian boy is seen during Eid prayers at the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.
Security personnel frisk devotees entering to offer Eid al-Adha prayers at the Jami mosque in Herat, Afghanistan, on June 17.
The exact dates for Eid can vary between countries due to the sighting of the new moon and local astronomical observations.
A woman takes a selfie after offering prayers at the Badshahi mosque in Lahore, Pakistan.
Eid al-Adha is one of the biggest holidays of the Islamic calendar, which coincides with the final rites of the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.