Tasnim - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani congratulated the heads of Islamic countries on the religious festivity of Eid al-Adha, hoping for closer Muslim unity and the eradication of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In separate messages on Thursday evening, President Rouhani congratulated the Muslim heads of state on Eid al-Adha.

He also expressed hope that leaders of the Muslim nations would pave the way for growing unity and solidarity in the Islamic world in the light of joint efforts and resolve, and that the adoption of appropriate plans would help contain and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, which has plagued humanity.

The Iranian president also described Eid al-Adha as the embodiment of obedience to divine orders, the manifestation of blessing of God, and the highest degree of faith in the Creator.

President Rouhani finally expressed hope that that all Muslims across the world would seize this auspicious opportunity to move closer to Almighty God with reliance on the teachings of Islam, the Iranian government�s official website reported.

Eid al-Adha is one of Islam's holiest festivals celebrated annually around the world and an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries.

In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha occurs on the 10th day of the lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah and is also the third day of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

For Muslims, Eid al-Adha commemorates the day when Prophet Abraham was going to sacrifice his son but was instructed by God to offer an animal instead. Eid al-Adha in Arabic literally means "festival of the sacrifice".

Traditionally, the festival lasts for four days but public holidays vary from country to country.