Eid al-Adha, the second major festival in the Islamic calendar, begins tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27. Muslims across Birmingham will gather for prayers, including at the Birmingham Central Mosque in Highgate.
Prayer Times at Birmingham Central Mosque
Five Eid al-Adha prayers will be held at the mosque, led by esteemed scholars. The schedule is as follows:
- 7:00 AM: Shaykh Muhammad Jumuah leads prayer in English and Arabic.
- 8:00 AM: Hafiz Ali-Hassan leads prayer in English.
- 9:00 AM: Shaykh Suleyman Bin Yusuf Bulbul leads prayer.
- 10:00 AM: Imam Mohammed Asad MBE leads prayer in Urdu and English. He is recognized as one of Europe's most influential Muslims.
- 11:00 AM: Shaykh Yousaf Jahangir leads prayer in English.
Significance of the Mosque
The Birmingham Central Mosque, opened in the early 1970s, was the second purpose-built mosque in the UK. Its construction began in 1969, making it a landmark for the Muslim community in Birmingham.
Eid al-Adha Traditions
The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for God. Many Muslims perform qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of a sheep, cow, or goat, which must be done in an official slaughterhouse under British law. Others donate resources to those in need through communal meals or charitable contributions.
Other Eid Events in Birmingham
Green Lane Masjid will hold an outdoor Eid prayer at Small Heath Park. Attendees are asked to arrive from 8:15 AM, with the prayer starting at 9:00 AM sharp. Worshippers are reminded to be considerate of neighbors regarding parking and to follow guidelines on what to bring.
