The Muslim community celebrated Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, on Sept. 1 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Downtown Phoenix.

The ceremony started with an address from the mayor of Phoenix, Greg Stanton.

“Today is a day of sacrifice,” Stanton said. “I do wanna say as mayor…my experience with the Muslim community here is a special one,” Thank you for being such a good citizen and for being a good friend, Eid Mubarak.”

The Eid prayer started at 10 a.m. and lasted for an hour and a half.  The Imam guided the prayer by giving instructions to the entire gathering.

People from different countries living in different parts of Arizona attended the ceremony.

People gathered, hugged and greeted each other.

After the prayer, the Imam gave a speech that focused on the importance of love and universal brotherhood.

Scottsdale Community College international student from Indonesia, Desfa Yousmaliana, attended the event and shared some thoughts about the ceremony.

“I feel it is important to celebrate Eid al-Adha as it reminds ourselves about the importance of sacrifice and sharing,” Yousmaliana said.

According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha is generally celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Dhua al-Hijjah. According to the holy Quran, the festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to obey the command of Allah.

People around the globe celebrate the festival by the slaughter of animals and sharing the meat with others.

This, according to custom, highlights the value of charity and sacrifice. This festival also marks the end of Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

One of SCC’s former international student’s, Tayyaba Sidhiqui, expressed happiness in celebrating Eid al-Adha in the U.S.

“I am from Pakistan and the flavor of Eid is very different there,” Sidhiqui said.

“In our finest we dressed, Eid prayers are prayed, hugs are given and greetings and gifts are shared. Everywhere is in celebration and colors. But I am happy that this year I am celebrating Eid in the U.S. because Americans are very tolerant and open-minded. “I can practice my religion here freely. I have more freedom and security here. I can see almost every culture and religion here and that is the beauty of the United States,” Sidhiqui said.