DUSHANBE, October 29, Asia-Plus - President Rahmonov has congratulated peoples of Tajikistan on the upcoming holiday of Idi Qurbon (Eid ul-Adha in Arabic).

On the eve of Idi Qurbon people visit their relatives and friends and make charitable donations to vulnerable and elderly people, a message of congratulations posted on the presidential site said.  With Tajikistan’s gaining independence the rituals and traditions provided for by cannons of Islam have been implemented freely in the country, according to the message. 

The president noted that making charitable donations to the vulnerable people has become good traditions in the country.  He expressed hope that donations made by enterprises and organizations to orphanages and elderly centers next year would increase

Concerning the Hajj, Rahmonov noted that it is one of the five pillars of Islam.  He reminded that this year, there have been no restrictions on the number of pilgrims and anyone over the age of 18 who wishes might make the journey.  Rahmonov noted that more than 4,500 people from Tajikistan had made the holy journey this year, which is 1,000 people more than during the previous Hajj.     

We will recall that under a quota allotted by Saudi Arabia, 3,600 people from Tajikistan made the Hajj to Mecca in early 2006.   

Wishing happiness, health and prosperity, Rahmonov once again called for constructive work. 

This year, Tajikistan will hold celebrations to mark Idi Qurbon festival on December 31.  Idi Qurbon (Eid ul-Adha) occurs on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Zul-Hijjah.  It is one of two Eid festivals that Muslims celebrate. 

Eid ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son (Ishmael) for Allah.  Others celebrate Eid-ul Adha as it marks the end of the Pilgrimage or Hajj for the millions of Muslims who make the trip to Mecca each year.  Like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha also begins with a short prayer followed by a khutba.  In Mecca, the Khutba is delivered from Mount Arafat.  

The Hajj, a journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, is one of the five pillars of Islam.