RALEIGH, N.C. — Muslims filled Dorton Arena Tuesday to celebrate Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic holiday that falls at the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The theme at the arena was love and togetherness.

"Look at the gathering. The racial barriers are completely removed. There is no difference between white and black," said Hamdy Radwan, who attended the event.

Debbie Jaunich took her children to celebrate. Her husband is away, making his pilgrimage to Mecca.

"They stay in tents and do part of the pilgrimage, so he's kind of roughing it over there while we're over here having a celebration," she said.

In an unstable world and the possibility of a war with Iraq, local Muslims say the annual event takes an even larger meaning.

"I think probably this year we're gathering together, building strength from each other and really praying for peace, praying for a peaceful resolution to the situation that's going on in the world for everyone, not just Muslims but everyone," Jaunich said.

Making at least one pilgrimage to Mecca is part of the Muslim faith.