For Muslims around the world, a major Islamic celebration called Eid Al Adha is fast approaching.

The celebration, which is also referred to as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” honors Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as an act of compliance with God’s command and will be held on Sept. 24 this year.

Muslims in New Orleans and other parts of the world commemorate this day by sacrificing animals, such as goats, sheep, lambs and camels. The meat is then divided into three parts. One third is given to those in need, while the rest is shared with friends and family.

Hamzah Khan, graphic design junior, was only four-years-old, but still remembers those days back in Pakistan when he and his family went to a market to buy a goat.

“We kept the goat for a couple of days and then we went out to a field, and my dad was like, ‘look away,’ and they sacrificed the goat, but it was like a painless kind of death,” Khan said.

The day starts with an early morning prayer and sermons given by the Imam at the mosque. Exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes and eating traditional food are an essential part of the holiday. Muslims gather at each other’s houses to feast and share the festivities of the day.

According to Adil Khan, assistant professor of Islamic Studies, the Saudi Arabian government is in charge of deciding when the festival will begin.

“Because Muslims follow a lunar calendar, the date of the festival varies each year,” Khan said.

Bushra Ahmad, biological sciences sophomore, talked about another important tradition of the festival.

“This is the time when you’re supposed to do the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina,” Ahmad said.

She said that her favorite part of the festival is going to the mosque.

“After we do our prayer, we eat a special dessert; one of the ladies at the mosque makes it. It is called Kheer, and it is like a rice pudding,” Ahmad said.

The festival will last for three days, and come to an end on Sept. 27.