WORCESTER, Mass. - Members of the local Islamic community celebrated Eid al-Adha Wednesday. It's the largest of the two main holidays for Muslims. The Worcester Islamic Center hosted thousands throughout the morning.

Eid al-Adha or "the feast of sacrifice" is observed by Muslims all over the world. It's celebrated following the day of Hajj, which is the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj commemorates the intention of prophet Abraham fulfilling the command of Allah who ordered him to sacrifice his son to test his faith. Because it was a test, the son was not sacrificed and instead, a lamb was sacrificed. 

To commemorate the day each year, Muslims sacrifice a lamb, goat or cow in the name of God. They then give out its meat to the needy and relatives. 

"This celebration, is a celebration of sacrifice where Muslims are being asked to sacrifice a lot of their own wealth, a lot of their own time, a lot of their own wealth to be able to help other people," said WIC president Osman Acheampong.

"Especially in the city of Worcester where we're blessed with such an incredible diversity," said Muhammad Xhemali. "So, people bring in their different cultures, you know, united upon the same beliefs, united upon this commitment to God. But, everyone coming from their own respective locations united under one message."

Eid al-Adha is the second major Muslim festival in the Islamic calendar. The other, Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan.