TORONTO – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has congratulated Muslims on the arrival of `Eid Al-Adha, visiting an Ottawa-area mosque to wish all Canadian Muslims a happy holiday.

In his visit on Monday morning, Trudeau congratulated Muslims, adding that the celebration is an opportunity to promote diversity in Canada.

`Eid Al-Adha, or “Feast of Sacrifice”, marks the end of the Hajj season and is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations, together with `Eid Al-Fitr.

A financially-able Muslim sacrifices a single sheep or goat or shares with six others in sacrificing a camel or a cow as an act of worship during the four-day `Eid Al-Adha celebrations.

The ritual commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail to Allah as an act of obedience and submission.

The Udhiyah meat is divided in three equal parts, one each for one’s own family, friends and the poor.

Earlier on Monday, Trudeau issued a statement to welcome the arrival of `Eid Al-Adha.

“Today, Muslims in Canada and around the world will gather to celebrate `Eid Al-Adha, which marks the end of the Hajj,” Trudeau said in a statement published by the PM website.

“`Eid Al-Adha is an opportunity for prayer, forgiveness, and celebration. Friends and family will gather to attend morning prayers, share a celebratory meal, exchange greetings and gifts, reflect on lessons of sacrifice, and show compassion to those in need,” he added.

In his Ramadan message, Trudeau stressed that those celebrations remind Canadians of their shared values.

“It is on days like today that we are reminded of the values that bring all Canadians together – those of peace, empathy, family, and friendship.

“Today also serves as an opportunity for us all to recognize the invaluable contributions of our thriving Muslim community that enrich our national fabric each and every day. No matter our faith, culture, or country, we are reminded that our diversity is Canada’s greatest strength.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I extend our best wishes to Muslims in Canada and around the world who are celebrating Eid al-Adha, and congratulate those performing the Hajj this year.

Muslims represent 3.2 percent of Canada’s total population, according to Canada’s 2011 National Household Survey.

A 2016 survey by the Environics showed the overwhelming majority of Muslims are proud to be Canadian.