His son did not hesitate, showing ultimate submission to Gods will by telling his father to go through with the sacrifice. But at the very moment that Abraham raised the knife, Allah told him to stop they had passed the test and to replace Ishmael with a sacrificial ram. In the Quran, Abraham is rewarded for his faith with a second son, Isaac.

Muslims observe and prepare for Eid al-Adha in a number of ways. At dawn on the day of Eid, Muslims recite the traditional declaration of faith, the Takbir, followed by the pre-sunrise communal prayer, Salat al-Eid, which is also said on Eid al-Fitr. Worshipers then greet friends with the traditional Arabic salutation of Eid Mubarak (Have a blessed Eid) and exchange gifts.

In a symbolic act, some Muslims who can afford it slaughter a cow, goat, sheep or camel , keeping a portion to feed themselves and distributing the rest to friends, family and those in need. Those who cant afford it frequently buy meat from a halal butcher to distribute. Giving out this meat, in addition to the morning prayers, is considered an essential component of Eid al-Adha.