Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/197

 176 is a ridiculous parody upon the words of the inspired prophet Moses. In the Qurán the name of the son is not given, although commentators state, that the Prophet said, that he was a descendant of the son of Abraham who was offered in sacrifice. The sacrifice, as it is now performed on the ʾId-ul-Azhá is as follows:—The people assemble for prayer at the ʾIdgah as on the ʾId-ul-Fitr; after prayers the people return to their houses. The head of the family then takes a sheep (or a cow or camel) to the entrance of his house and sacrifices it, by repeating the words, "In the name of the great God," and cutting its throat. The flesh of the animal is then divided, two-thirds being kept by the family, and one-third being given to the poor in the name of God.