Southampton Muslim community celebrates holy festival

Muslims across the world are celebrating Eid Al Adha.

Festivities began last night and will end on Monday evening.

A public holiday in Muslim countries, the event remembers a prophet's commitment to god - Allah.

Eid normally starts with worshippers going to the Mosque for prayers while dressed in their best clothes.

It is also customary to give money to the poor.

Earlier today worshippers gathered at Shahjalal Mosque and Islamic Centre.

The Muslim Council of Southampton (MCS) has given its best wishes "to all of the Muslim communities across Southampton and beyond".

Secretary, Rashidul Islam said: "In these particularly difficult times the Muslim community across Southampton and Hampshire will be celebrating Eid slightly differently.

"Today places of worship across Southampton opened the door to the congregation, whilst making sure social distancing and government rules were adhered, the MCS would like to thank all our member masjid and Islamic societies across Southampton for organising a safe environment at their respective venue for the prayer.

"I pray to Allah to keep you and your loved ones safe, particularly during these testing times. May you all enjoy and celebrate the day with loved ones, and may it be filled with peace and blessings."

In May, the Muslim call to prayer rang out for the first time in public in Southampton.

• Muslim call to prayer rings out in Southampton for first time

Every year during Ramadan Muslims across the world fast from dawn until sunset devoting themselves to their faith.

On May 22 the call to prayer was played from the Medina Mosque in Compton Walk to mark the last Friday of Ramadan.

However, the holy month was impacted by coronavirus.

The city's Muslim community was forced to close its mosques due to the outbreak, but prayers still took place at home digitally.