Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha as May and Welby issue warm messages

Muslims around the world today celebrated the Eid al-Adha holiday, one of the two most important festivals of the Islamic calendar.

Marking the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son on God's command, Muslims mark the holiday by slaughtering animals such as sheep and goats. The meat is shared among family and friends and also donated to the poor.

The Muslim faithful across continents marked the festival which comes as the annual Haj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia draws to a close.

In Jerusalem's Old City, Palestinians flocked to the al-Aqsa mosque for prayers.

In Iraq, authorities adopted tough security measures during the festival, searching worshippers as they entered Abdul-Qadir al-Gilani mosque in Baghdad.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad prayed at a mosque in the Damascus suburb of Daraya, which was evacuated by rebels and surrendered to government control last month, state media reported.

In Asia, tens of thousands of people left Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on crowded trains and ferries for their home-towns to celebrate the holiday with family and friends, while in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, Muslims attended morning prayers.

The festival was also celebrated across Africa, with the faithful in countries such as Somalia and Kenya attending mass prayers.

In Russia, thousands of Muslims gathered for prayers in Moscow.

In the UK, Prime Minister Theresa May released a video message to the country's Muslim community. "I am proud of the contribution British Muslims make to this country and proud that Britain is home to people from vibrant and diverse backgrounds," she said.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby tweeted his good wishes:

Additional reporting by Reuters.

News
The Gorton and Denton by-election and the alarming rise of sectarianism in British politics
The Gorton and Denton by-election and the alarming rise of sectarianism in British politics

Whatever one’s political persuasion and affiliation, the voters of Britain who genuinely value democracy should be alarmed.

Assisted suicide falters in Westminster but receives final approval in Jersey
Assisted suicide falters in Westminster but receives final approval in Jersey

Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide bill is expected to run out of time as Jersey moves towards Royal Assent.

3 members of Christian family murdered in India
3 members of Christian family murdered in India

The Christians were accused of practising black magic before their murders.

Christian teacher shot dead in Syrian sectarian violence
Christian teacher shot dead in Syrian sectarian violence

Christian school teacher, Iman Jarrous, was shot dead in Homs.