Eid al-Azha is what Muslims do when they cannot go to Hajj

Eid al-Azha is an annual festival within Islam. It is celebrated in the last month of the Mulsim calendar, during Zul Hijja. Muslims gather from around the world to celebrate Hajj during the month of Zul Hijja.

To celebrate Eid al-Azha is to take part in a day of solidarity. Only a relatively few Muslims would be able to travel to Mecca and perform Hajj by making a pilgrimage. Everyone else takes part in Eid al-Azha wherever they live. Eid al-Azha is a day of sacrifice.

Muslims make symbolic sacrifices on this day. It is important to know that Hajj and its practices are symbolic re-enactments of acts performed by the family of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Ishmael, and his mother was Hajira.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, religious tolerance and social justice. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Saudi government plans improvements for Hajj pilgrims

As the 2010 Hajj pilgrimage begins this week, Muslims from around the world are returning to the holy cities of Mecca and Medinah. In all, about 3 million pilgrims are expected to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Among the down sides of so many people descending upon a few areas, though, there is extreme traffic.

In recent years, extreme traffic congestion has been compounded by swine flu and severe flooding. However, the Saudi government is making important changes to improve the lot for pilgrims. Among other innovations, the government will unveil a new high-speed commuter train for pilgrims in 2011. In addition, the Saudi government is rolling out improved drinking water and sanitation facilities during the event.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.