6 ways to celebrate Eid al-Adha in London

Muslims worldwide are busy preparing for Eid al-Adha, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar (“feast of sacrifice”).

If you’re in London and lucky enough to have the day off, here’s what can you do in and around the capital of the United Kingdom to celebrate what’s known as the “greater Eid”?

LONDON CENTRAL MOSQUE

The London Central Mosque, on the border of Regent’s Park, expects a rush of people attending this Eid al-Adha. You can squeeze in prayers at the mosque before starting work, or say morning prayers before taking the day off to relax with family and friends.

“There will be five Eid prayers on the day, from 7 a.m. every hour until 11 a.m., and we expect over 40,000 people to attend and pray that morning,” a spokesperson for the mosque told MySalaam.

Website: www.iccuk.org

THE REGENT’S PARK

With its close proximity to one of London’s largest mosques, Regent's Park offers beautiful post-prayer walking grounds for the Eid worshipper.

Designed by the famous British architect John Nash, the park covers 395 acres and includes Queen Mary’s Gardens, which features more than 12,000 roses in 400 different varieties, as well as William Andrews Nesfield’s gloriously restored Avenue Gardens.

The park is also home to the Open Air Theatre, the London Zoo, Primrose Hill, the country’s largest free-to-access waterfowl collection and 100 species of wild bird.

Website: http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park

SOAK UP THE BUZZ ON EDGWARE ROAD

This is one of the oldest roads in Britain, stretching nearly 10 miles in a straight line from Marble Arch to Edgware. Home to the heart of London’s Arab community, the southern end of the road is crammed with Middle Eastern restaurants and cafés, so it’s sure to have an extra buzz during Eid. There’s a host of Arabic eateries and shisha bars to suit every taste, and most outlets are open late, so it’s a perfect place for a feast with the family.

EID UL-ADHA IN THE PARK 2016

This major South London–based event will open its doors to around 7,000 visitors, including many from the local community. Now in its seventh year, this festive, family-friendly event aims to revive the tradition of having the Eid ceremony outdoors. Highlights include group prayer sessions, fairground rides and specialist food stalls.

Video: https://www.facebook.com/Lewishamislamiccentre/videos/648710745283312/

Address: Lewisham Islamic Centre, Eid Salah at 10am, Mountsfield Park, SE6 1AN

Website: http://www.lewishamislamiccentre.com

AFTERNOON TEA AT CLARIDGE’S

Why not treat your family to a top-notch Claridge’s afternoon tea, replete with finger sandwiches, warm scones and sweet pastries? Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s is a feast for the senses, enhanced as it is by the magnificence of Thierry Despont’s foyer and 1930s art deco.

While this opulent hotel has been putting on an exquisite afternoon tea spread for over a century, more recently it has begun to offer a customised halal option for Muslim diners. Simply call and reserve your halal option 24 hours before eating.

There are eight sittings offered daily at Claridge’s, at 2.45pm, 3pm, 3.15pm, 3.30pm, 4.45pm, 5pm, 5.15pm and 5.30pm. The dress code is “elegant smart casual”.

Website: http://www.claridges.co.uk/mayfair-restaurants-bars/london-afternoon-tea/

MUSLIM HISTORY TOURS: THE CAMDEN TOUR

Muslim History Tours is holding a special Eid tour at 10.45 a.m. on Sunday, 18th September, starting from Euston Square. “This new tour will show how Eid has been celebrated historically in London,” Abdul Maalik Tailor, the founder and organiser of the tours, told MySalaam. The tour will take in some of the main sites in Camden, with a particular emphasis on Muslim landmarks, such as Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam’s former residence. Tickets for the tours, which are conducted in English, are priced between £5 and £10 and must be purchased in advance.

Website: www.muslimhistorytours.com