|
Services
took place in mosques all over Birmingham. Special supplications
and prayers were also made for the Muslims who died during the Hajj.
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| Going
to Mosque |
Muslims
believe that those who die during the Hajj will enter heaven provided
they assigned no partners with God.
The
Hajj took place on Saturday, a day before Eid with around 3 million
people participating. Muslims all around the world fast on the Day
of Hajj to show solidarity with the pilgrims in Mecca.
In
Birmingham Central Mosque, Muslims prayed in five different congregations
under different Imams including Imam Sarfraz Madni, Imam Khurram
Bashir, Imam Badr-ul-Haq, Imam Muhammad Sultan and Imam Ahmed Ibrahim
Patel.
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| Dr
Naseem |
Dr.
Naseem, chairman of the mosque, encouraged worshippers to pray for
those who had returned to God whilst committing themselves to the
Hajj.
On
Eid day itself, Muslims participate in the rite of Slaughter as
carried out by Abraham when his child was replaced by a sheep after
God tested his faith.
This
Qurbani meat is shared amongst the poor and family or just by relatives
if it is a large family.
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| Muslims
in prayer |
Many
families celebrate Eid by sharing food and visiting relatives, neighbours
and friends. Gifts are exchanged, henna is worn, new and best clothes
are worn and there is a happy buzz in the air.
Children
look forward to gifts and money and spend away in toy shops or on
sweets while adults discuss the joys of Eid and spend the day remembering
Allah.
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| Celebrating
Eid |
Some
youth took to the streets to wave flags of nations like Bangladesh
and Pakistan.
Many
of the elders don't approve of these festivities as they believe
it encourages too much free mixing and leads to sinning as it is
considered a party atmosphere associated with clubs.
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| PC
Fisher meets mosque leaders |
Some
of the youths do drink, smoke and make mischief but overall, many
of the younger kids just want a good fun time.
Imams
denounce the waving of national flags as Islam and Eid is for all
people, races and nations, not just one particular country.
In
many areas, the council annually displays bright lights and decorations
for the Eid period and the police and community figures are always
on hand to ensure smooth running of all celebrations.
Take
a look at Eid prayers and
celebrations in Birmingham
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