The Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Bosnia, Vinko Puljic, congratulated Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated on July 20, to the Head of BiH’s Islamic Community and all Muslims.

“On the occasion of the Eid al-Adha celebration, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you personally and to all Muslims in BiH,” Puljic said in his congratulatory note to Husein Kavazovic.

“Preparing the Sacrifice and sharing it with those closest to you is a sign of religious connection,” he said.

Eid al-Adha, in Bosnia called Kurban Bayram, is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year, with Eid al-Fitr being the other.

It honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command. Before Abraham could sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead.

Muslims commemorate this intervention by sacrificing an animal and dividing it into three parts – one to keep for home, one to give to relatives and the third to the poor.

“I wish for this Eid al-Adha celebration to bring Muslims the joy of faith and a willingness to build a more just society for every human being. We, your neighbours, want to see joyful Muslims in the faith, not interpreting your faith but respecting it, for the sake of freedom of conscience and just interpersonal relationships,” Puljic said.