As Muslims anticipate `Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, local mosques in Birmingham are preparing two special `Eid celebrations for thousands of Muslim worshippers.
Awaiting the moonsighting, Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre said they would host a huge `Eid celebration on either May 1 or 2.
After a two-year break, a celebration at Small Heath Park is expected to be attended by around 20,000 people.
Another celebration will be held at Edgbaston Stadium and is expected by be attended by roughly 2000 people.
“`Eid is a joyous occasion, where Muslims come together to celebrate, spend time with family and worship as a community,” Saleem Ahmed, project manager for `Eid in the Park told Birmingham Live.
“It is a relief to have such an important celebration return to some normality after such a long time.”
`Eid Festivities
Activities at Edgbaston Satudium will include food and cricket coaching for children. There will also be stalls, encouraging attendees to stay to enjoy festivities in the morning.
“We want to be a hub for the local community. We’re therefore thrilled to have developed the partnership with Green Lane Masjid, and to host prayers for the second consecutive year on the Colts Ground,” Stuart Cain, Edgbaston Stadium CEO, said.
“By being able to accommodate up to 2,000 friends of Green Lane Masjid, we’ve quadrupled the size of the attendance for the Eid ul Adha prayers. We’re committed to developing the event each year and ensuring that Edgbaston truly reflects the communities we serve.”
Kamran Hussain, Green Lane Masjid CEO, added: “We have worked with the Edgbaston team on a number of projects. We been impressed by their professionalism and genuine commitment to support the local community.”
Marking the end of Ramadan fasting, `Eid Al-Fitr is one the two main Islamic religious festivals along with `Eid Al-Adha.
After special prayers to mark the day, festivities and merriment start with visits to the homes of friends and relatives.
Earlier this month, Blackburn Rovers football club invited members of the Muslim community to perform `Eid prayer on its pitch, becoming the first football club in the country to host the Islamic prayer ritual.