| Author | Topic |
hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
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 Posted - Monday, October 29, 2007 - 11:46 PM 
glossary:
milad e nabawi/maulood means celebration of the birth of the last prophet Muhammad sws/pbuh |
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hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
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 Posted - Friday, November 2, 2007 - 6:33 PM
November
Baha'i
12 Anniversary of the birth of Bahaullah
Buddhist
5 kathina Day
Christian
1 All Saints Day
2 All Souls Day
11 Rememberance Sunday
Hindu
9 Divali
Jain
9 Divali
Japanese
15 Shichi-Go-San
Rastafarian
1 Anniversary of the crowning og Haile Selassi 1
Sikh
9 Divali
(Bandi Chhor Divas)
24 Mertyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
24 Birthday of Guru Nanak
Some other notable Dates
11 Rememberance sunday
30 St.Andrews Day |
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hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
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Posted - Tuesday, December 4, 2007 - 10:59 PM
December
Buddhist
8 Bodhi Day
Christian
2 Advent Sunday
8 Immaculate Conception
24 Christmas Eve
25 Christmas Day
Japanese
31 Omesoka
Jewish
5-12 Hanukah
Muslim
20 Eidul Adha/The Festival of Sacrifice
Zoroastrian(Parsee)
26 Zartusht-No-Diso
(Fasli)
Some Other Notable Days
21 Yule
26 Boxing Day
31 Hogmanay |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
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Posted - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 9:58 PM
January 2008
Tuesday 1
Christian CircumcisionSecular New Year's DayShinto Oshogatsu (or Shogatsu)Christian Festival of St Basil the GreatSaturday 5
Sikh Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh (Nanakshahi calendar)Sunday 6
Christian EpiphanyChristian Christmas Day (Armenian Orthodox)Christian TheophanyMonday 7
Rastafari Christmas Day (Ethiopian)Christian Christmas Day (Orthodox)Wednesday 9
Muslim Al-HijiraSunday 13
Christian St Hilary's DayChristian Baptism of the LordMonday 14
Hindu Makar SankrantTuesday 15
Shinto Seijin Shiki (Adults' Day)Friday 18
Christian Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (start)Saturday 19
Muslim AshuraMonday 21
Christian St AgnesBahai World Religion DayMultifaith World Religion DayTuesday 22
Jewish Tu B'ShevatFriday 25
Christian St Paul's DaySunday 27
Jewish National Holocaust Memorial DayMultifaith National Holocaust Memorial DayMonday 28
Christian St Thomas AquinasThursday 31
Sikh Birthday of Guru Har Rai (Nanakshahi calendar) |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
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Posted - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 9:59 PM
February 2008
Saturday 2
Christian CandlemasPagan ImbolcSunday 3
Shinto Rissun (Setsubun)Tuesday 5
Christian Shrove TuesdayWednesday 6
Christian Ash WednesdayThursday 7
Chinese Chinese New YearFriday 8
Buddhist Parinirvana - Nirvana dayBuddhist Losar (start)Monday 11
Christian Our Lady of LourdesHindu Vasant PanchamiThursday 14
Christian St Valentine's DayFriday 15
Buddhist Nirvana day (alternative date) |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
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Posted - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 10:00 PM
March 2008
Saturday 1
Christian St David's DaySunday 2
Bahai Nineteen Day Fast (start)Christian Mothering SundayMonday 3
Shinto Hina-matsuri - Festival of DollsWednesday 5
Christian St Piran's DayThursday 6
Hindu MahashivratriFriday 7
Multifaith Women's World Day of PrayerMonday 10
Christian Clean Monday - Beginning of Lent (Orthodox)Sunday 16
Christian Palm SundayMonday 17
Christian St Patrick's DayWednesday 19
Christian St Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin MaryThursday 20
Muslim Milad un Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad)Pagan Spring Equinox - EosterChristian Maundy ThursdayFriday 21
Christian Good FridayHindu HoliJewish PurimBahai Naw-RuzShinto Shubun-sai - Equinox dayZoroastrian Jamshedi Noruz (Fasli)Zoroastrian Jamshedi Noruz (Qadimi)Saturday 22
Jehovah's Witnesses Memorial of Christ's DeathSikh Hola Mohalla (Lunar Calendar)Sunday 23
Christian Easter Sunday (Western)Tuesday 25
Muslim Milad un Nabi (Shia)Christian AnnunciationWednesday 26
Zoroastrian |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 12:24 AM
Sunday 6 April
Hindu Bikarami Samvat - Varsha-Pratipada
The Hindu Spring New Year celebrated particularly in South India. Diwali, another Hindu New Year, is the more popular in the UK.
Sunday 13 April
Sikh Vaisakhi
The Sikh New Year Festival, which also commemmorates the founding of the Khalsa by the tenth Guru (Guru Gobind Singh) in 1699. Also spelled Baisakhi.
Monday 14 April
Sikh Birthday of Guru Nanak (Nanakshahi calendar)
The founder of the Sikh religion was born on 14 April 1469. This festival is also currently celebrated according to the Lunar Calendar, but this may change.
Sikh Hola Mohalla (Nanakshahi Calendar)
Hola Mohalla is currently celebrated according to the Lunar Calendar, but this may change.
Hindu Rama Navami
Birthday of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu and the hero of the Ramayana
Friday 18 April
Jain Mahavira Jayanti
The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar and the "founder" of modern Jainism
Sikh Birthday of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Nanakshahi calendar)
Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675) was the ninth of the Sikh Gurus.
Sikh Birthday of Guru Angad Dev (Nanakshahi calendar)
Guru Angad Dev (1504-1552) was the second of the Sikh Gurus.
Saturday 19 April
Hindu Hanuman Jayanti
This festival marks the birth of Hanuman, the Monkey God.
Sunday 20 April
Jewish Passover
The start of the season of Passover when Jews commemorate the liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of Egypt by Moses.
Monday 21 April
Bahai Ridvan - first day
The start of a 12 day festival when Baha'is celebrate the day when Baha'u'llah said that he was the prophet predicted by the Bab.The most important Baha'I festival.
Rastafari Anniversary of Haile Selassie's visit to Jamaica
Marks the date Haile Selassie I visited Jamaica in 1966. Haile Selassie was the Emperor of Ethiopia. Rastas believe Haile Selassie is God, and that he will return to Africa members of the black community who are living in exile.
Wednesday 23 April
Christian St George's Day
Saint George is the patron saint of England.
Sunday 27 April
Christian Easter (Orthodox)
Orthodox Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - his return from death after the Crucifixion. The most important Christian festival
Tuesday 29 April
Bahai Ridvan - ninth day. Marks the arrival of Baha'u'llah's family at the Ridvan garden. |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
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Posted - Saturday, May 3, 2008 - 10:39 AM
Thursday 1 May
Pagan Beltane
Pagans celebrate Beltane with maypole dances, symbolizing the mystery of the Sacred Marriage of Goddess and God.
Christian Ascension Day
Ascension Day marks the last earthly appearance of Christ after his resurrection. Christians believe Christ ascended into heaven. It is celebrated 40 days after Easter.
Friday 2 May
Jewish Yom Hashoah
The Jewish Holocaust Memorial Day. The date is chosen as the closest date (in the Jewish calendar) to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Bahai Ridvan - twelfth day
Marks Baha'u'llah's departure from the Ridvan garden.
Sikh Birthday of Guru Arjan Dev (Nanakshahi calendar)
Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606) was the fifth of the Sikh Gurus
Sunday 4 May
Christian Ascension Day (Catholic Church in England and Wales)
Ascension Day is normally celebrated 40 days after Easter. The Catholic Church in England and Wales celebrates it on the following Sunday instead.
Sunday 11 May
Christian Pentecost - Whitsun
The seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and the birth of the Christian Church.
Sunday 18 May
Christian All Saints' Day (Orthodox)
This day honours all saints, known and unknown, of the Christian church. Western churches celebrate All Saints Day on November 1.
Christian Trinity Sunday
The first Sunday after Pentecost. Christians meditate on the nature of God as "Three in one".
Tuesday 20 May
Buddhist Wesak or Buddha day
The most important of the Buddhist festivals. It celebrates the Buddha's birthday, and, for some Buddhists, also marks his birth and death. Pictures of Wesak celebrations in Manchester
Buddhist Theravada New Year
New Year festival for Theravada Buddhists, celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April
Friday 23 May
Bahai Declaration of the Bab
The Bab was the Forerunner of Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'i faith. His mission was to prepare the world for the coming of Baha'u'llah and he declared it in the evening of May 22 1844.
Sikh Birthday of Guru Amar Das (Nanakshahi calendar)
Guru Amar Das (1479-1574) was the third of the Sikh Gurus.
Sunday 25 May
Christian Corpus Christi
Roman Catholic festival celebrating the "real presence of Christ in the Eucharist". The festival falls on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
Christian Corpus Christi (Catholic Church in England and Wales)
Corpus Christi falls on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. The Catholic Church in England and Wales celebrates it on the following Sunday instead.
Thursday 29 May
Bahai Ascension of Baha'u'llah
Anniversary of Baha'u'llah's death in in 1892 near Akka, Israel.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/tools/calendar/month.shtml?20085 |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
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Posted - Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 8:05 PM
Monday 9 June
Jewish Shavuot
Shavuot marks the time when the first harvest was taken to the Temple. Also known as the Festival of Weeks.
Monday 16 June
Sikh Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Nanakshahi calendar)
Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth Sikh Guru and the first Sikh martyr. He also compiled all of the past Gurus' writings into one book, which is now the Sikh holy scripture: the Guru Granth Sahib.
(Wednesday 18 June Birth of the CEO & Dean of our website. Br.Shehzad Saleem. Happy Birthday & keep up your hard works :)
Friday 20 June
Pagan Summer Solstice - Litha
Longest day of the year
Sunday 29 June
Christian St Peter's Day
Observed by Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. One of the oldest saints' days.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/tools/calendar/month.shtml?20086 |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
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Posted - Thursday, July 3, 2008 - 12:58 AM
Saturday 5 July
Sikh Birthday of Guru Hargobind (Nanakshahi calendar)
Guru Hargobind (1595-1644) was the sixth of the Sikh Gurus.
Wednesday 9 July
Bahai Martyrdom of the Bab
Anniversary of the Bab's execution in 1850 in Tabriz, Iran.
Tuesday 15 July
Christian St Swithin's Day
Swithin (or Swithun) was a Saxon bishop in the 9th century. Legend has it that the weather on his feast day, 15 July, will determine the weather for the next 40 days.
Friday 18 July
Buddhist Asala - Dharma Day
The anniversary of the start of Buddha's teaching - his first sermon ,"The Wheel of Truth ", after his enlightenment.
Sunday 20 July
Jewish 17th Tammuz
An important Jewish fast day.
Wednesday 23 July
Sikh Birthday of Guru Har Krishen (Nanakshahi calendar)
Guru Har Krishan (1656-1664) was the eighth of the Sikh Gurus.
Rastafari Birthday of Haile Selassie I
Haile Selassie was the Emperor of Ethiopia. Rastas believe Haile Selassie is God, and that he will return to Africa members of the black community who are living in exile.
Thursday 24 July
Mormon Pioneer Day
Commemorates the arrival in 1847 of the first Latter Day Saints pioneers in Salt Lake Valley.
Saturday 26 July
Zoroastrian Khordad Sal (Qadimi)
The birthday of Zoroaster, celebrated on this date in the Qadimi calendar.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/tools/calendar/month.shtml?20087 |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
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Posted - Friday, August 1, 2008 - 4:46 AM
Friday 1 August
Pagan Lughnasadh - Lammas
A harvest festival and one of the Pagan festivals of Celtic origin which split the year into four.
Wednesday 6 August
Christian Transfiguration
Orthodox Christian feast commemorating the sudden emanation of radiance from the person of Jesus that occurred on the mountain.
Sunday 10 August
Jewish Tisha B'Av
A solemn day that commemorates a series of tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over the years, many of which have coincidentally happened on this day.
Friday 15 August
Christian Dormition of the Theotokos
An Orthodox festival that commemorates the death, resurrection, and glorification of Christ's mother. Dormition means "falling asleep".
Christian Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A largely Roman Catholic festival celebrating their belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven.
Saturday 16 August
Hindu Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is the Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love. "Raksha Bandhan" means a thread for protection.
Sunday 17 August
Rastafari Birthday of Marcus Garvey
Commemorates the Birthday of Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican politician born in 1887 who predicted the crowning of a King in Africa, and instigated the 'Back to Africa' movement.
Tuesday 19 August
Zoroastrian Jamshedi Noruz (Shenshai)
Zoroastrian New Year's Day in the Shenshai calendar.
Sunday 24 August
Zoroastrian Khordad Sal (Shenshai)
The birthday of Zoroaster, celebrated on this date in the Shenshai calendar.
Hindu Janmashtami - Krishna Jayanti
The Janamashtami festival marks the birth of Krishna, the most highly venerated God in the Hindu pantheon.
Thursday 28 August
Jain Paryushana
The most important Jain festival, it consists of eight (Swetambara) or ten (Digambara) days of intensive fasting and repentance. A time of reflection. |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
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Posted - Wednesday, September 3, 2008 - 9:05 PM
Tuesday 2 September(may be a day's difference in various parts of the world)
Muslim Ramadan (start)
Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting.
Wednesday 3 September
Hindu Ganesh Chaturthi
Hindus celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed God.
Monday 8 September
Christian Feast of the Birth of Mary
Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches celebrate the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Christian Nativity of the Theotokos
Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary
Christian Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Roman Catholics celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary.
Thursday 11 September
Rastafari Ethiopian New Year
The start of the New Year in Ethiopia is recognised because Rastafarians believe Ethiopia to be their spiritual homeland, and a place to which they want to return.
Monday 22 September
Pagan Autumn Equinox
This day is celebrated when day and night are of equal duration.
Monday 29 September
Hindu Navaratri (start)
Navaratri (nine nights) symbolises the triumph of good over evil and marks the start of autumn.
Tuesday 30 September
Jewish Rosh Hashanah
Jewish New Year |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
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Posted - Friday, September 12, 2008 - 11:30 PM
To: Renaissance Readers Club UK
From: The Slough & Thames Valley Foyer
Dear Chair
Following is the Ramadan Leaflet produced by the local authority of Berkshire. Please check and comment.
Thank you
Katie Kempen
Corporate Policy Officer (Diversity and Equality)
Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Town Hall
St Ives Road
Maidenhead SL6 1RF
01628 796459
What is the meaning of ‘Ramadan’?
Ramadan derives from the Arabic root: ramida or
ar-ramad, meaning scorching heat or dryness. It is
believed that the month's name may refer to the heat
of thirst and hunger, or because fasting burns away
one's past sins.
Ramadan & the holy Quran..
Muslims believe that God began revealing the Qur'an to
the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during Ramadan in
the year 610. The Qur'an says that Muslims should fast
every Ramadan.
Fasting is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam:
1. Faith (Shahadah)
2. Prayer (Salah)
3. Fasting (Sawm)
4. Charitable giving (Zakah)
5. Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj)
Ramadan is a special month of the year for over 1.6
billion Muslims throughout the world. It is a time for
inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control.
Fasting has many special benefits:
• Learning self control
• A time of intense worship
• Reading of the Quran
• Giving charity
• Purifying ones behaviour & doing good
deeds
• Experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the
less fortunate.
• Learning thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's
provisions.
• Being thoughtful, helpful, considerate and showing
kindness to others.
• Fasting is also beneficial to the health and provides a
break in the cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence.
Who Fasts in Ramadan?
During Ramadan fasting
becomes obligatory. Sick people, people on a long
journey, and women in certain conditions are exempted
from the fast but must make it up as they are able.
Fasting in Ramadan is the most widely practiced of all
the Muslim forms of worship.
The Sighting of the Moon?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar. The much anticipated start of the
month is based on a combination of physical sightings of
the moon and astronomical calculations. Today Islamic
Scientists, Astronomers and Scholars unite on the
decision of sighting a new moon.
What time of day do Muslims observe fasting?
The daily period of fasting starts at the
breaking of dawn and ends at the setting of
the sun. During the daylight hours, Muslims
totally abstain from food, drink, smoking,
and any sexual contact. Even more than at
other times, they must also avoid undesirable or
imperfect behaviours. The practice is to have a pre-fast
meal (suhoor) before dawn and a post-fast meal (iftar)
at sunset.
Devotion to God.
Muslims pray 5 times a day, at Fajr before sunrise,
Dhur in the afternoon, Asr
late afternoon, Magrib at sunset
and Isha after sunset that is late
evening.
During the month Muslims also
recite the holy Qur'an, listen to the
Qur’an being recited in their homes
and at the Mosque. Through reflection Muslims
also pray for the poor and needy, and for those
of have passed away through the world.
‘Night of Power’
It is believed that one of the last
few odd-numbered nights of the
fasting month is Laylat-ul-Qadr,
the "Night of Power" or "Night of
Destiny." It is the holiest night of
the holiest month.
This is a time for especially devoted prayer, and
the rewards and blessings associated with such
are manifold. The Qur’an reveals that praying
throughout this one night is better than a
thousand months of prayer. No one knows
exactly which night it is; it is one of God's
mysteries.
contd:
Edited by: studyingislamuk on Friday, September 12, 2008 11:35 PM |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Friday, September 12, 2008 - 11:40 PM
contd:
September 2008/Ramadan 1429 AH
The Blessed Month of Ramadan
The Christian festival of Lent and the Jewish
festival of Yom Kippur are also times of fasting,
although the fasting practices of each religion
might be different from one another.
Food in Ramadan
Since Ramadan is a special time,
Muslims in all parts of the world
prepare certain favourite foods during
this month and share it with their
neighbours, friends and family.
It is a common practice for Muslims to break their
fast at sunset with dates (iftar), following the
custom of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This is
followed by the sunset prayer (Magrib), dinner, late
evening prayer (Isha), followed by the fasting
prayer (Taraweeh).
The Spirit of Ramadan & Eid-ul-fitr
The end of Ramadan is marked by a
three day celebration period known as
Eid-ul-fitr, the festival of fast-breaking. It
is a joyous time beginning with a special
prayer and accompanied by celebration,
socialising, festive meals and gift giving.
Providing for the Poor
When Ramadan ends, Muslims give
charity in a locally prescribed amount,
calculated to feed the poor. This is
known as fitra and is meant as another
reminder of the suffering endured by
many. It is compulsory on all Muslims to
pay fitra, so in return the poor can celebrate Eid-ul-
Fitr along with the rest of the Muslims.
Many Muslims also take this occasion
to pay the annual alms which are
due to the poor and needy, known
as ‘zakah’ (2.5% of savings).
Glossary of Terms
Ramadan—Month of Fasting
Sawm—Fasting
Muhammad (pbuh)— Final Prophet of Allah
PBUH—Peace be Upon him
Suhoor—Breakfast (pre-fast)
Iftar– Dinner (opening of the fast)
Eid-ul-fitr—The Festival of Fast-breaking
Laylat-ul-Qadar—Night of Power/Night of Destiny
Zakah—Charity (2.5% of savings)
Quran—Holy Islamic Book
Fitra—Charity distributed at the end of Ramadan
Mosque—Islamic place of worship
Ramadan &
Eid
Mubarak!
etÅtwtÇ
`âutÜt~
Fasting in other Religions
The Christian festival of Lent and the Jewish
festival of Yom Kippur are also times of fasting,
although the fasting practices of each religion
might be different from one another. |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Saturday, October 4, 2008 - 12:23 PM
Wednesday 1 October
Muslim Eid-Ul-Fitr
The end of Ramadan when Muslims celebrate the end of fasting and thank Allah for His help with their month-long act of self-control.They pray and endure to continue this pious behaviour during the rest of the year.
Thursday 9 October
Jewish Yom Kippur
Day of Atonement - the most solemn day of the Jewish year.
Hindu Dussera
Celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the evil demon Ravana.
Sikh Birthday of Guru Ram Das (Nanakshahi calendar)
Guru Ram Das (1534-1581) was the fourth of the Sikh Gurus.
Monday 13 October
Christian St Edward's Day
Edward the Confessor was King of England 1042 - 1066. He built Westminster Abbey where there is a shrine to him - and where the saint is also celebrated on January 5 each year, the anniversary of his death.
Tuesday 14 October
Jewish Sukkot
Sukkot or The Feast of Tabernacles, commemorates the years that the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and celebrates the way in which God took special care of them under impossible conditions.
Monday 20 October
Bahai Birth of the Bab
Celebrates the birth of the precursor of the founder of the Baha'i faith.
Tuesday 21 October
Jewish Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah means "Rejoicing in the Torah." This holiday marks the completion of the yearly cycle of weekly Torah readings.
Jewish Shemini Atzeret
Shemini Atzeret can be translated as "the assembly of the eighth (day)." In Israel the festival is combined with Simchat Torah.
Tuesday 28 October
Hindu Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, is the most popular of all the festivals from South Asia. It is an occasion for celebrations by Hindus as well as Jains and Sikhs.
Jain Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, is the most popular of all the festivals from South Asia. It is an occasion for celebrations by Hindus as well as Jains and Sikhs.
Sikh Diwali
For Sikhs, Diwali is particularly important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Hargobind Singh, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619.
Friday 31 October
Pagan Samhain (Hallowe'en)
Samhain (pronounced 'sow'inn') marks the Feast of the Dead. Many Pagans also celebrate it as the old Celtic New Year (although some mark this at Imbolc).
Christian Hallowe'en (All Hallows' Eve)
The night before All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day). Its origins date back over 2000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It was celebrated as a Christian festival by the 8th Century. |
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StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Monday, October 13, 2008 - 7:04 AM
Muslims Celebrate Eid in the Capital
(MCB Document)
Thousands of people came to the capital today to mark the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr at London's Trafalgar Square. Hosted by the Mayor of London and organised with the help of the Muslim Council of Britain, the event aimed to ensure a joyful and fun day for all of London's diverse communities, uniting in a spirit of goodwill.
Crowds descended on the landmark in warm sunshine for the third annual 'Eid in the Square' to mark the end of Ramadan with music, exhibitions, activities for children and prayers. Revellers sampled the delights of souks and stalls while enjoying the centrepiece of the festival – live acts from the very best of the London and British Muslim music scene. The urban female group 'Pearls of Islam' delighted the audience with their performance with their unique sound of traditional instruments such as the dumbek and the djmebe, accompanied with rap, poetry and nasheeds.
South Londoner Muslim Belal Muslim used his gift of the spoken word, rap and hip hop to tell his story of converting from the streets to Islam, while established band A'ashiq al-Rasul delighted the audience with their blend of traditional Islamic songs updated for an English audience.The live entertainment also included traditional music from the Muslim world with Qawwalli from Sajjad Ahmed Khan and North African Rai music from Abdel Kader Saadoun and Takalid.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Boris Johnson said "This festival will bring together people from all parts of London and the world to enjoy the celebrations, whilst being reminded of universal human values such as compassion and charity."
Welcoming the festival-goers, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari Secretary General of the MCB said: " Today you Muslims here in Trafalgar Square represent diversity of our community: outside of the Hajj, the London Muslim community is perhaps the most multicultural Muslim community on earth. I urge you all to celebrate that diversity and share all the good our community has to offer with those around you."
On behalf of the organisers, the chair of MCB's London Committee, speaking after the event said: "For the third year running the MCB has assisted the Greater London Authority in organising a landmark event that will benefit not only all Londoners, but the rest of the nation. The MCB has marshalled its strength in bringing together London's diverse and vibrant Muslim community to come together to celebrate the very best of the British Muslim cultural scene. We hope this will be replicated across the country, where Muslims will invite fellow citizens in their celebration." |
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