Eid ul Adha 2021 events have been announced for Birmingham, including a brand new get-together at Edgbaston Stadium.
Muslims from Birmingham and far beyond usually gather in the city’s Small Heath Park for what is now the largest Eid celebration in Europe.
Before restrictions were imposed during the pandemic, up to 60,000 devotees took part in the huge open-air prayer and celebrations in Eid ul Adha, including meals, a fun fair and other family activities.
READ MORE: Why is the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah Important and When to Fast?
The Green Lane Masjid and Community Center (GLMCC) has now announced that the usual Eid Festival celebrations in the park will not take place due to ongoing Covid concerns – although the date of the religious festival falls shortly after Liberty Day on July 19 when most of the remaining restrictions in England are lifted.
Instead, there will be a series of daily services at the mosque on the day of Eid – Tuesday July 20, as well as a new event on the same day that will allow 500 people to visit Colts Ground at Edgbaston Stadium, home of Warwickshire County Cricket club.
GLMCC has published a statement explaining what happens when and what Covid measures will be taken.
Eid prayers in the Green Lane Mosque in Birmingham
(Image: GLMCC)
It said: “With the announcement of the first day of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah on Sunday July 11th, we are pleased to announce that the Green Lane Masjid & Community Center (GLMCC) will be opening on Tuesday 20th July. July, Eid ul Adha will be held, 2021.
“The prayers on this day will be offered in the mosque this year, as we did for Eid ul Fitr a few months ago.
“We expect a large turnout, so we have arranged four separate church prayers from 7am to 10am. According to the latest government guidelines, social distancing is no longer required and masking requirements are no longer required (however, wearing is recommended in densely populated indoor spaces).
“As a result, GLMCC will not hold the annual Celebrate Eid event at Small Heath Park. In consultation with Birmingham City Council officials and Public Health Birmingham, the event, which is attended by up to 60,000 people annually, could pose significant public risks of rising Covid-19 infections. “
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It continues: “As an alternative and in partnership with Edgbaston Cricket Ground, we are also pleased to offer a special oath prayer at Colts Ground on the grounds of Edgbaston Stadium.
“Prayer is held at 8:30 am and arrival begins at 8:00 am. The number of participants is strictly limited to 500 participants and registration is required via our prayer booking app. The app can be downloaded from the Android and Apple stores.
“Eid is a time of celebration, family, and worship. We want everyone to enjoy the day and have tried to make things as simple as possible. We continue to advise anyone who may be ill or at risk to stay home, ”said GLMCC.
Green Lane Masjid and Community Center has arranged a special prayer meeting for Eid ul Adha 2021 at Edgbaston Stadium
(Image: GLMCC)
A number of other activities are also arranged, including options for the usual donation of meat to the poor known as qurbani. These activities are:
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Day of Arafat Iftar – The day of Arafat (9th Dhul Hijjah) is the day before oath and a day when the Muslim community is encouraged to fast. GLMCC will arrange an iftar meal on-site for anyone fasting that day and hopes to feed up to 250 people
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Overseas Qurbani / Food Distribution: This year, Task Force GLM – the mosque’s charity wing – is organizing ethical qurbanis in various countries around the world including Somalia, Pakistan, Palestine and Myanmar, and working with local suppliers to help the local economy to bloom. You can order your Qurbani here.
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Local Qurbani Distribution: An amazing 1 in 9 people worldwide fight chronic hunger, but local Qurbani meat can help feed a family in need. GLMCC offers a UK Qurbani service where it arranges qurbani and distributes stocks to those in need in the local Birmingham community on the days of Eid.
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Local Qurbani Distribution with Islamic Relief: GLMCC has also partnered with Islamic Relief for a second local distribution of additional Qurbani meat and foods the following week.
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Revert Eid Dinner: While Eid is a time of great joy, it can be a lonely time for new Muslims who may not have a family to enjoy the celebrations with. Islamic, the Revert Support Wing of the mosque will prepare Eid gift packages and an exclusive dinner just for Revert Muslims so they can enjoy the day and join the celebrations with their community. Contact info@islamwise.org for more information.
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The statement concluded, “Our Masjid and the Muslim community in Birmingham have been doing exceptionally well to government and public health guidelines during the pandemic. GLMCC has been certified as a Covid-Chartered Masjid by the Birmingham City Council.
“The death toll in Birmingham and the UK continues to decline, showing the patience and consistent efforts of everyone. Until we let the current Covid restrictions expire, we ask our community to continue to adhere to the guidelines so that we can safely move on. ”Back to life as we once knew it.
“We wish you all a blessed and happy oath.
“Eid Mubarak.”
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