Tehran, Dec 31 -- Eid-e-Qurban, which is called Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) in Arabic, is one of the greatest feasts of Muslims.

Zilhajja is the time for those planning to perform their pilgrimage to Mecca to start preparations for their journey.

The journey of Hajj is in fact a great migration; it is a divine journey.

Indeed it is a grand opportunity to construct and re-establish one morally through its holy war against desire.

The hajj, takes place in the 12th month of the Muslim calendar, the rituals being performed in Mecca between the 7th and 10th days.

The feast of Eid-e Qurban is celebrated on the 10th day of the month.

Animals, such as sheep, goats, and camels, are sacrificed, especially by those who have already performed the hajj.

One third of the slaughtered animal is used by the family, another third is distributed to relatives and the rest is given to the poor.

The rituals done in the pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj, resembles the memories of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), his son: Ishmael (PBUH), and is wife: Hajjar.

This commemorates the slaying of a sheep, instead of Ishmael, as a sacrifice by his father Ibrahim, at the command of the Allah.

If we neglect these memories, a greater part of Hajj will yet remain a mystery for us. The answer to this mystery can be found in the quest of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH).

Undoubtedly Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) passed yet another test, and he was exempted from killing his son and instead Allah sent an animal for him to sacrifice.

Sacrifice is the secret of leaving everything in the way of the Lord.

Sacrificing for Allah represents the purifying of one\'s heart from all else but the remembrance of Allah. Thus, we will be able to understand the depths of this act only when the relationship of this father and son with their Lord during the moment of sacrifice is presented in our souls.

When we reach Jamaraat (three large columns that pilgrims need to throw seven small stones at each rock) we may wonder about the point of such an act. What problem does this act resolve? A deeper look however, reminds us that these acts recall the memories of Abraham (PBUH) when fighting against the Satan.

It was when the Satan tried to stop Abraham (PBUH) from Allah\'s orders. The Satan revealed himself to Ibrahim (PBUH) three times to weaken him and create doubt in his heart.

Abraham (PBUH) tried to keep Satan away by throwing stones at him.

Once we bear these memories in mind, certainly then will we understand more about this part of Hajj.

This ritual is implying that everyone will confront evil throughout his life. The evil will not stay away from us unless we further it.

If we expect to receive peace and blessings from Allah as Prophet Abraham (PBUH), then we certainly must follow that path of Abraham and fight our desires till we defeat it and get it completely away from our souls.

Consequently, we can realize that Hajj should be learned and practiced with the memories of Prophet Abraham, Ishmael, and Hajjar (PBUT).

Every pilgrim should recall the history while performing the rituals.

By doing this they will gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy moral effects of this great journey; otherwise the journey without such a knowledge is of less value.

In Iran today, people observed the happy occasion. Large groups of people took part in the Eid-e-Qurban congregational prayers led by Iran\'s former president and Expediency Council chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in Tehran University.

Congratulations to all servants of Allah on advent of Eid-e Qurban, the celebration of neglecting the desires, and paying attention the satisfaction of the beloved.

The English News Desk of the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) Congratulates the faithful on the auspicious occasion on behalf of the Agency\'s management and staff.