Around 25,000 people gathered at a sun-soaked Manchester park today to celebrate Eid Al-Adha. Crowds of Muslim Mancs descended on Platt Fields in Fallowfield this morning for Eid prayer.
Locals celebrated the first major festival on the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr, back in April which marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha is also known as Festival of the Sacrifice or the Greater Eid and is held to honour the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah's command.
For many today’s Eid at the Park was a regular occurrence, with many of them coming earlier in the year. However, for Usman and Ramla this was their first time taking part in Eid at the park.
READ MORE: Is there a special prayer during Eid al-Adha and when is it?
Speaking to the MEN, Ramla said: “It’s my first time here, It reminds me of home, I just love it!"
Her husband, Usman added: “We got married two years ago and with the pandemic this was the first time she’s been here. It’s nice, it’s beautiful to see so many people out here, this is what today is about, it’s about forgiveness, family and charity."
Another worshipper said: “On days like this I love being a Muslim, everybody is hear, the poor and rich standing next to each for one thing, Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God)."
The park was a kaleidoscope of colours as thousands put on their best garments and made their way for prayer which started just after 10am. You could hear a pin drop while the prayer was conducted at the park with thousands in full focus and unison in the prayer lead by Imam Sheikh Mohamed Ali Mowleed.
As is custom, hearty hugs and hand shakes were exchanged once the prayer finished. The Imam could be heard over the sound system emphasising the importance of charity during the cost of living crisis and for people to extend their generosity to not only fellow Muslims, but also non-Muslims in their wider community.
Muhammed Abu Bakar, who was joined by his three sons, said: “This is one of our biggest celebrations and I always look forward to it. Today sends a message of unity. People coming together in peace and harmony, it’s a day of forgiveness – it’s amazing.”
Another worshipper who made the journey to the park was Abdullahi who came with his family from Salford. He said: “First and foremost its amazing to see so many people like this. I’m from Nigeria and this is something we do back home, I’m from a large family so I’m used to seeing so many people all at once on Eid.
“I’ve seen people who’ve I’ve never met before, they gave me a salaam and it made me happy. Today’s about forgiveness, if you have been on bad terms with somebody, today is the day to reach out and mend that relationship.”
On what they had planned for the rest of the day, Abdulahi said: “Today is also for the kids, we get them some treats, have some fun, then we go home and eat meat, every one is welcome.”
Speaking on behalf of a small section of the Yemeni community who gathered together today at the park, Abdulrahman Sailan said: “Eid is a very sacred thing for Muslims, no matter what the conditions are we would make sure to go and pray, even without a gathering.
“We would try to gather as many people as possible, in a huge park like this it’s really amazing and wonderful that people can gather together and unite, even for a single day. We're meeting new people here, and we’re not limited to a single group, we are welcoming and want people to join our groups.
"It’s mostly a religious thing, but also helps us strengthen relationships in our society. It’s a pleasure for everyone who comes.”
While others were aware of the event today, some were enticed by the droves of beautifully dressed families headed to the park to pray. One man said: “I went to pray at another mosque, but I saw people walking this way and came with my family, it’s beautiful.”
Habib, who came to pray with his five-year-old son Zane, said: "Days like this are for forgiving, giving thanks and charity.
“I saw my one of my childhood mates today, I haven’t seen him in years, but Eid gives me that opportunity to reconnect with him. It’s like Christmas for us you can say."
Eid at the Park is a two-day event that was organised by mosques Makki Masjid, Alfurqan Islamic Centre Manchester and local authorities.
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