Prayers and joy at this Eid al-Fitr
Thousands of people gathered across Maidenhead this week to enjoy food and festivities to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
On Wednesday morning, Eid prayers took place across the town to mark the culmination of Ramadan and the start of the threeday celebrations.
At Kidwells Park, just over 2,000 people gathered at an Eid in the Park event organised by the AlTawheed Islamic Education Centre Maidenhead (TIECM) and took part in the congregational prayer at 9am.
This was followed by a sermon reminding people to reflect on the month of Ramadan and maintain that level of worship and spirituality.
Running until about midday, the event saw youngsters enjoy free ice cream and there were also refreshments including tea, coffee and soft drinks available.
Irfan Rafiq, event director at the Al-Tawheed Islamic Education Centre Maidenhead said the event was a success and was one of the centre’s biggest with a ‘very large turnout’.
Over at Maidenhead Mosque, 2,000 people gathered on Wednesday morning for prayers to celebrate Eid. Four sets of Eid prayers were held at 7am, 8am, 9am and 10am and festivities went on in Holmanleaze until midday.
Following the prayers, a host of sweet food stalls and karak chai were free for everyone to enjoy.
Celebrations carried on throughout the day and night, with family and friends meeting to eat and share traditional dishes and spend time together.
This year the mosque was particularly welcoming new families in the town and those struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Zia Mahiudin, a trustee of Maidenhead Mosque said there was a ‘huge turnout with many new faces’ and said the mosque is ‘fully aware’ that the cost-ofliving crisis continues to affect households in the borough and wanted to assure people ‘they are not alone’.
The mosque also held a special prayer for the people of Gaza.
Reflecting on the day, Zia added: [It was an] exceptional day – wonderful atmosphere. [It was] great to see all parts of the community, different backgrounds and cultures come and celebrate together at the mosque.”