(WASHINGTON, DC) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray today wished members of the District’s Muslim community a happy and blessed Eid al-Adha as well as safe travels to those who are returning from Saudi Arabia after performing Hajj, the pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca.

Eid al-Adha, known as the festival of sacrifice, is one of the most important holidays of the Islamic year. It is celebrated by congregations and families across the world as a commemoration of the story of the ancient Israelite patriarch Abraham, who showed his willingness to sacrifice his son upon God’s command. Muslims celebrate it on the 10th day of the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

“I would like to wish an ‘Eid Mubarak’ – a blessed Eid – to those celebrating the values of obedience and willingness to sacrifice something important for a greater cause,” Mayor Gray said. “Many Muslims are observing the holiday by helping the less fortunate, including the distribution of relief supplies to those suffering from famine in Africa and natural disasters elsewhere.

This holiday reminds all of us of the common themes of love, justice and service that the major Abrahamic faiths share, and to which many other traditions point.”

I would also like to wish a safe and blessed return to those who have performed Hajj.”