Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) is delighted to announce the celebration of Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, on 16^th June 2024.

Eid al-Adha, comes at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage performed by millions of Muslims in Makkah. The pilgrimage requires dedication in faith, restraint from worldly luxuries, reflection upon one’s purpose and relationship with God. Eid al-Adha is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, to honour the faith and devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) – peace be upon him – and commemorate his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The occasion serves as a reminder of the importance of selflessness, gratitude, and compassion towards others. Every Muslim worldwide who is able to, offers Qurbani (slaughter of an animal) to feed the needy.

This year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations at GLMCC hold a deeper yearning to stand in prayer with the community. We have witnessed horrific crimes upon humanity that have deeply shaken our community, GLMCC hopes to invite people to the prophetic outdoor prayer to worship God, be in remembrance of His mercy and favours upon us, whilst supplicating for those less fortunate.

The festivities will begin with a special prayer, to be held at Small Heath Park on the morning of Eid. People are expected to arrive from 7.30am with the prayer beginning promptly at 8:30am.

The prayer will be followed by a sermon. Other activities at the park will include the Robert Wilkinson funfair, after the prayer.

There will be wet weather contingency for prayers indoor at Green Lane Masjid. Five separate congregational prayers will be held indoors, due to the large number of people expected. Prayers will take place from 6:00am on each hour through to 10:00am. Confirmation of weather will be provided closer to the time.

Furthermore, Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre will be organising various charitable initiatives in alignment with the spirit of Eid al-Adha. These initiatives will include

• Overseas Qurbani: Our Taskforce GLM team is organising ethical Qurbanis in various countries across the world, and is dealing with local suppliers within these international countries, to help local economies flourish in poverty-stricken regions. The meat from the Qurbani will go to the poor who can’t afford the luxury of meat in their already sparse diet. If you wish to order your international Qurbani, please visit the Taskforce GLM website.

• Day of Arafah Iftar (breaking of the fast): The day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah – Saturday 15th June) is the day before Eid and a day that the Muslim community is encouraged to fast. We will be arranging a simple onsite Iftar for anyone fasting on the day and hope to feed up to 400 people, God willing.

• Revert Eid Dinner: Though Eid is a time of great joy, it can be a lonely time for new Muslims who may not have any Muslim family to enjoy the festivities with. Islamwise, our revert support wing will be hosting a community lunch where new Muslims will come together to enjoy delicious food, fostering a sense of togetherness and goodwill. Contact Islamwise for more information.

• Eid Gifts to children in hospital: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said “Give gifts to one another, you will love each other”. The GLM team will be visiting sick kids in Birmingham’s children hospital to hand out gifts. This is so that those children who can’t enjoy Eid as other children can, will still feel loved and not forgotten.

• Local distribution of Qurbani meat will be carried out two days after Eid and the following week, to hundreds of people in need.

• An Appeal for Gaza, we will be collecting funds for Gaza on Eid day to support orphans. Donate to Gaza.

Newly appointed CEO of GLMCC, Dr Abdul Haqq Baker commented, “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Eid Al Adha prayer and celebrations with GLMCC as it’s renowned for its diversity, atmosphere and being one of the largest religious gatherings in Europe. As an integral part of a team that not only participates in this exciting event, but also puts service at the heart of the community, it is a great honour. Whilst we celebrate this great occasion, our thoughts continue to be on the plight of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, as well as those across the globe facing unimaginable persecution.”

For more information about the Eid al-Adha celebrations at GLMCC, please contact Haniya Aadam – Haniya@greenlanemasjid.org

We hope and pray that everyone, whatever day they celebrate, has a wonderful and enjoyable Eid.

GLMCC Management