Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha

Muslims in Ghana are joining their colleagues around the world to mark the Eid al-Adha.

The celebration is one of the two most important festivals on the Muslim calendar.

The festival is marked annually to commemorate the symbolic sacrifice and service of Prophet Abraham to Allah.

Like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a Sunnah prayer of two rakats followed by a sermon (khutbah).

Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the descent of the Hujjaj, the pilgrims performing the Hajj, from Mount Arafat, a hill east of Mecca. Eid sacrifice may take place until sunset on the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.

The occasion is often characterized by the slaughtering of goats, sheep and cattle for feasting.