Local Muslims to gather Monday to celebrate holiday

Charlotte area Muslims will gather Monday morning at the Charlotte Convention Center to celebrate Eid Al Adha -- the Holiday of Sacrifice.

The three-day holiday commemorates Abraham’s obedience to God thousands of years ago and the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca -- called the Haj -- that millions of present-day Muslims make every year. In the tradition of Abraham, many Muslims will sacrifice a goat or lamb during these holy days and donate the meat to the needy.

The gathering will begin at 9 a.m. followed by prayer and a short service at 10 a.m. It will be held in the convention center’s Exhibit Hall B, at 501 S. College Street.

Tim Funk

This story was originally published September 10, 2016 at 3:13 PM with the headline "Local Muslims to gather Monday to celebrate holiday."