DUSHANBE November 26, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon has congratulated the people of Tajikistan on the coming Idi Qurbon or Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice or Greater Eid), according to presidential press service.

In his televised message, Rahmon pointed out values of this holiday in Islam and humankind civilization.  “Due to independence, citizens of Tajikistan celebrate this holiday freely with all necessary attributes,” the president noted.

He also noted that the country celebrated the 1310th anniversary of Imam Azam this year and 50,000 copies of Quran in the Tajik language were published and Islamic University was given a status of state university.

President Rahmon expressed confidence that more than 5,000 Tajik Muslims performing the Hajj this year will pray for the prosperity and harmony in Tajikistan during their Hajj.

Idi Qurbon or Eid al-Adha is a holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God.  Eid al-Adha is the latter of two Eid festives celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from the Quran.

Eid al-Adha annually falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar.  The festivities last for three days or more depending on the country.  Eid al-Adha occurs the day after the pilgrims conducting Hajj descend from Mount Arafat.  It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.  This year, Tajikistan, celebrates Idi Qurbon on November 28.