On Sept. 12, Moscow’s Muslims mark Eid al-Adha, a major religious holiday. The festival is called Kurban Bayram in Russia. Kurban is derived from the Arabic qurban, meaning sacrifice, while bayram means feast in Turkish.
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Moscow agency/ Nikerchiev Andrey
Thousands of Muslims are celebrating the holy festival of Eid al-Adha in Moscow on Sept. 12, starting with celebratory prayers at the city’s mosques.
Moscow agency/ Nikerchiev Andrey
Since the Russian capital’s mosques cannot accommodate all worshippers, many believers listen to the festive sermon on the streets.
Moscow agency/ Nikerchiev Andrey
After dawn prayers, believers stand up in a row and hug each other.
Moscow agency/ Nikerchiev Andrey
Immediately after the prayers, Muslims rush to perform the sacrifice ritual. The Moscow authorities have allocated 14 sites for the slaughter of goats.
Moscow agency/ Tereshenko Mikhail
“The rite of sacrifice marks the humanity and mercy of the Most High, who did not want the shedding of human blood,” Rushan Abbyasov, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council
told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Moscow agency/ Tereshenko Mikhail
Every year, many Russians travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. This year, 15,000 Russian citizens are performing the Haji.
Moscow agency/ Tereshenko Mikhail
Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted the country’s Muslims on the occasion of the holiday. “Over centuries, this bright holiday has played a huge role in the life of the Muslim Ummah…” Putin said. “I note with satisfaction that Russia’s Muslims honor the spiritual traditions and celebrate Eid al-Adha widely.”
Moscow agency/ Nikerchiev Andrey
Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Chechnya, Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia and Crimea have declared a public holiday on Sept. 12, since it is forbidden for Muslims to work on Eid al-Adha.
