Saskatchewan Muslims celebrate holy day, pray for those who died in Saudi pilgrimage

Thousands of Muslims attended this year's Eid al-Adha celebrations in venues across Saskatchewan. 

Also known as the feast of sacrifice, Eid al-Adha is one of Islam's most important religious days. It was also a sombre day for many, as news spread that more than 700 people were killed in a stampede at the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

• Hajj stampede kills at least 717 pilgrims near Mecca

Mateen Raazi took part in the prayers in Saskatoon.

"People have suffered, they've lost loved ones and our hearts go out to them, we feel for them and it does make the occasion a little bit sombre," Raazi said.

He added that more needs to be done to protect those who do make the Hajj pilgrimage.

"We hope that there will be something done for easing systemic flow and making the logistics better so that this kind of horrible tragedy never repeats itself."
 
Raazi, like millions of other Muslims, has participated in the Hajj .

"You see people who have no means and still have managed to be there. It was for me a very humbling experience and spiritual experience."

In Regina, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community took part in the Eid al-Adha prayers.

"They sadden us and we pray that those people who have have been killed or died may Allah grant them his mercy," said Habib Rehman, president of the Regina Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Officials in Saudi Arabia say two waves of pilgrims converged in one area. Witnesses say people were pushed, fell down, and then they were trampled.

It was the deadliest Hajj incident in more than two decades.