By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Pilgrims mark Eid al-Adha with the stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah in Mina, fulfilling a major Hajj rite on the greatest day of the year. The symbolic act follows the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

2. Saudi Arabia announces 1,673,230 pilgrims performed Hajj this year, including 1,506,576 from outside the Kingdom and 166,654 domestic pilgrims. Women comprised 47.5% of all pilgrims.

3. Massive drop in Hajj heat exhaustion cases down by 90%, credited to improved public health measures and better inter-agency coordination, according to the Ministry of Health.

4. Bauchi pilgrim dies during prayer on Mount Arafat, identified as Abdullahi Adamu from Ganjuwa LGA. He passed away in devotion, surrounded by fellow worshippers on the holiest day.

5. Togolese woman gives birth on Arafat Day, safely delivering a baby under the care of a specialist Saudi medical team. She is part of a delegation hosted by the Saudi Hajj Guests Program.

6. Eid al-Adha observed globally as Muslims commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice, with congregational prayers, ritual animal sacrifice, and meat distribution taking place worldwide.

7. Did You Know?: Eid al-Adha was established in the 2nd year after Hijrah, making it one of the earliest communal festivals for Muslims.

8. Fun Fact: The sacrifice (Qurbani) is offered after the Eid prayer not before. If done earlier, it’s not valid.

9. Did You Know?: Eid al-Adha is celebrated for four days from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah unlike Eid al-Fitr, which lasts only one.

10. Fun Fact: Over one billion Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha, making it one of the largest religious festivals on the planet.

11. Did You Know?: In countries like Indonesia, Turkey, and Nigeria, Eid al-Adha is often called “the Big Eid” due to its significance.

12. Fun Fact: A camel counts as seven shares in sacrifice, just like a cow. So seven people can share in offering one camel.

13. Fun Fact: Qurbani is not obligatory for every Muslim only for those who meet Nisab (the threshold of wealth).

14. Did You Know?: Many people now digitally donate their Qurbani through Islamic charities, ensuring meat reaches underprivileged communities globally.

15. Did You Know?: The Takbirat of Tashreeq begin from Fajr of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah) and continue until Asr on the 13th.

16. Did You Know?: You can perform Qurbani on behalf of deceased loved onesas a form of sadaqah and remembrance.