BRUSSELS, Belgium: In various parts of the world, Muslims celebrated Eid-ul-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) - that falls at the end of the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah on 10th Dhol-hijjah - on Tuesday slaughtering sheep, cows, camels and goats for sacrifice.

2.5 million Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia threw pebbles at a pillar representing Satan in Mina as part of the hajj. Thousands of sheep, goats, cows and camels were sacrificed in the Makkah area, symbolizing Allah's last-minute command to Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) to slaughter a sheep instead of his son Ishmael (peace be upon him).

The day of Eid commemorates the story from the holy Quran when Allah told Abraham (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son as a test of his faith. As Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) raises the knife to carry out the command, Allah replaces the child with a sheep from heaven, which Abraham (peace be upon him) slaughters instead.

Millions attended Eid congregations that were held in open places, mosques, mosalla, and grounds during which the speakers highlighted the philosophy of offering sacrifice.

Marking the happy occasion, people wore new clothes, visited the graves of their near and dear ones, held meetings with their relatives and cooked special meals.