Mogadishu, Somalia – Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage season. It is the second major holiday in the Islamic calendar after Eid al-Fitr, which follows Ramadan.
In Somalia's capital Mogadishu, families and communities gathered across the city on Wednesday to celebrate. The holiday typically begins with communal morning prayers, followed by visits to relatives, festive meals and children's outings. Popular spots include Lido Beach, Darus Salam Zoo and Maka al-Mukarama Road, the commercial center.
Overall, Mogadishu is gradually recovering from decades of waves of violence. Since 2006, the government has been fighting al-Shabab, a local affiliate of al-Qaeda, for control of the country – a conflict that made Mogadishu one of the world's most dangerous capitals. However, improved security has attracted a wave of new investment to the city, along with the emergence of cafes, restaurants and other entertainment spaces.
In an Eid speech at the Islamic Solidarity Mosque, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said, "We see a change in Mogadishu's security" and urged residents to protect the city's peace. The Ali Jimale Mosque, the country's largest, usually draws large crowds and is a gathering place for city residents.
The centerpiece of Eid al-Adha is the ritual sacrifice of livestock, commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son before God provided a ram as a substitute. The meat is traditionally shared among relatives, neighbors and the needy, reflecting the festival's spirit of charity, community and devotion.
Livestock costs have surged in recent months in Somalia due to drought and erratic rains. A UN famine monitoring body has warned of famine risk in some parts of the country. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said 6.5 million people in Somalia face "high levels of acute food insecurity," a crisis worsened by the ongoing armed conflict and a protracted political impasse since the president's term ended on May 15.
