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This week, Muslims are celebrating the occasion of Eid ul Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. This marks the story of the Prophet Abraham who was asked to sacrifice his son. In the Quran, this son is named as Ishmael.

Eid ul Adha falls on the tenth day of the last month of the Islamic year, Dhulhijjah. Over the last days, pilgrims will have gathered from around the world in Makkah to perform the rites of the hajj pilgrimage. They begin at the Kaaba, and then on the ninth day of the month they travel to the open desert area of Arafat, just outside Makkah, and spend the day in the hot sun, asking for forgiveness and a release from the past.

On the day of Eid, there is a new beginning. Having asked for – and received – forgiveness in Arafat, they seek to start a new life of purity.

After passing through the rituals at the nearby places of Muzdalifah and Mina, they will return to Makkah to complete their closing visit to the Kaaba.

In the hajj, as in daily life for all Muslims, the Kaaba, referred to as the metaphoric house of God, is the focus of prayer and rituals. All Muslims turn towards the Kaaba to pray, wherever they are in the world.

The cloth that covers the Kaaba carries great symbolism and emotion. It is often woven outside of Makkah and then gifted to the authorities. Made of the finest materials, it’s image immediately resonates with Muslims. Previous cloths are often distributed as gifts, or held in public displays, often hailing from decades and even centuries past. The Kaaba and its cloth are a historic reminder of the longevity of the Muslim ummah, and the symbol at the centre of their devotions across time and geography that unites them. It is the same spirit that underpins the global celebration of this festival.

Whether in Makkah or around the world, this festival is a reminder for Muslims of their shared focus, rituals and spiritual direction. It is celebrated with passion and joy wherever Muslims find themselves. Ogilvy Noor joins with all of those celebrating Eid ul Adha around the world.

Image: Cover for the door of the Kaaba, origin Egypt, now in the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar