In what has become a fixture in Birmingham, thousands of Muslims gathered in Small Heath Park on Saturday, July 9, to mark `Eid Al-Adha or the feast of sacrifice.
Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for the environment, Councilor Majid Mahmood said this year’s event was smaller than usual due to COVID precautions as well as the council’s decision to give permission for ten similar events to be staged in parks across the city.
“Today has been absolutely amazing. We’ve just completed prayers and it’s mandatory for all Muslims to pray on Eid day,” Councilor Mahmood said, Birmingham Live reported.
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According the Mahmood, this year’s event was attended by 40,000 to 50,000 people.
“A few years ago the entire audience would be bigger than Edgbaston, Villa and Blues combined,” he said.
“It’s not the turnout we used to get because as a city council we’ve granted permission this year for ten Eid prayers in and around the inner city, including Aston Park, Morris Park in Alum Rock, Handsworth Park, Sutton Park and here in Small Heath Park.”
More `Eid Events
The decision to host more events like this one was the result of consultations with the Muslim community, event organizer Saleem Ahmed said.
“It’s really buzzing, families are here and the sun’s out. This is one of the biggest community events in the city and Birmingham should be proud of it,” he said.
The event, hosted by Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre, has seen growing numbers since 2012, where 12,000 people attended.
`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.
`Eid begins with special prayers to mark the day.
A financially-able Muslim sacrifices a single sheep or goat or shares with six others in sacrificing a camel or cow as an act of worship during the four-day `Eid Al-Adha celebrations.