SANA'A, Nov. 26 (Saba) - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Thursday congratulations from Saudi leadership on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

President Saleh received cables of congratulations from Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz on the holy occasion.

Eid al-Adha is a holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God.

It is the latter of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from the Quran. Like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon.

Eid al-Adha annually falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar. The festivities last for three days or more depending on the country.

Eid al-Adha occurs the day after the pilgrims conducting Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat.

AF/AF