People took the opportunity to gather together, on large-scales, to celebre the end of Ramadan, with Eid al-Fitr returned in full, after a two-year break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the UK, cities like Leicester, Birmingham, London and Manchester the shackles of restrictions were released, with Eid – falling on 1 or 2 May, depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon – saw open-air events back in full flow.
With events in Birmingham organised by the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC), one of the largest celebrations in Europe saw thousands gathered at Birmingham's Small Heath Park for outdoor events, with celebrations also held at Edgbaston Stadium – the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club – who welcomed about 2,000 people for prayers, for the first time, after registering through an app.
Muslims from across Birmingham and further afield celebrated Eid in a day of family fun. Eid al-Adha is marked by special prayers and feasts and follows Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
In previous years, Eid events have attracted crowds of more than 140,000 to the park. The GLMCC said, after consulting with the city council and Public Health England, there were concerns over rising Covid-19 infection rates.
Event organisers Abid Khan said: “I was pleased with the turnout, considering the weather. We've prayed in snow and we're prayed in torrential rain. So, whatever the weather, we had to get out here."
