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Birmingham Hosts Europe’s Largest `Eid Prayer

More than 100,000 Muslims have taken part in `Eid celebrations at Birmingham’s Small Heath Park Tuesday, June 4, making it the largest `Eid prayer in Europe.

The celebration is “one of the most important in the Islamic religious calendar and it’s an opportunity for us to come together in peace and unity”, said a spokesperson for Green Lane Masjid and Community Center, The BBC reported.

“We’ve been working for months with five local Mosques and our charity partner Islamic Relief to organize bringing the community together for a memorable day of prayer, games and fun,” it added.

Birmingham Hosts Europe’s Largest `Eid Prayer - About Islam

Muhammad, 4, and Sanaa, 6, arrive for the Eid celebrations (Picture: PA)

The event, hosted by Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre, is now in its eighth year and has seen growing numbers since 2012, where 12,000 people attended.

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Last year, 140,000 people attended the event, according to organizers, who expected a similarly huge turn-out today.

Birmingham Hosts Europe’s Largest `Eid Prayer - About Islam

Two boys eat ice cream during Eid celebrations in Birmingham (Picture: PA)

Over 200 people have volunteered to help clean the park after the celebrations, organizers said.

Birmingham Hosts Europe’s Largest `Eid Prayer - About Islam

Two young worshippers enjoying the Eid celebrations in Small Heath Park (Picture: PA)

Some countries declared `Eid on Tuesday whilst others will celebrate on Wednesday.

`Eid Al-Fitr is the Muslim feast of breaking the fast of Ramadan. The holy month of Ramadan like all the other eleven Hijri months lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar calendar.

Birmingham Hosts Europe’s Largest `Eid Prayer - About Islam

People gathered in Small Heath Park, Birmingham (Picture: PA)

After special prayers to mark the day, festivities and merriment start with visits to the homes of friends and relatives.

And while traditionally everyone wears new clothes for `Eid, children look forward to gifts and traditional `ediya (cash).

During `Eid days, families and friends exchange visits to express well wishes and children, wearing new clothes bought especially for `Eid, enjoy going out in parks and open fields.

Birmingham Hosts Europe’s Largest `Eid Prayer - About Islam

The event is now in its eighth year (Picture: SWNS)