People in Cairo start Eid al-Adha with prayers

Muslims in Egypt were celebrating Eid al-Adha on Tuesday with prayers at Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque.

The holiday, known as the feast of sacrifice, commemorates what Muslims believe was prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of his faith.

The act of worship marks Eid al-Adha, or "the Feast of the Sacrifice."

Tight rows of men and women perform ritual prayers, an important part of this Muslim holiday.

Some were wearing masks to prevent to the spread of COVID-19.

After praying families enjoyed the festival atmosphere, buying balloons for their children.

Muslims usually sacrifice a goat, sheep, cow or a camel for the holiday, donating most of the meat to the poor.