Turkish religious leader says Eid a time of happiness

MECCA, Saudi Arabia

Muslims should feel happiness in their heart during Eid al-Adha, one of the two most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar, Turkey’s top religious figure said Tuesday.

Speaking at Hajj Administrative Center in Mecca, Mehmet Gormez, the head of the Religious Affairs Directorate, congratulated Muslims on the second day of the four-day festival.

“All festivals are a time to move love to our hearts,” Gormez said. “We should feel happiness in our heart.”

Eid al-Adha, known as Kurban Bayrami in Turkey, marks Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. In Saudi Arabia, the feast coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage.