More than 12,000 Muslims and non-Musilms alike gathered in Goodmayes to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with prayers, a funfair and fireworks display.
Eid Fest, a one-day festival in Goodmayes Park, in Green Lane, kicked off with a mass prayer congregation and culminated in circus acts a bazaar on Tuesday, August 21.
Eid Al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael when commanded to do so by Allah in a dream.
“If he shared that dream with his wife and son today they would probably say that he was insane,” joked Jala Mohabbat, a member of organisers 1Eid.
“But his wife and son were very patient.”
As Ibrahim climbed atop Mount Arafat in preparation to sacrifice his son, Allah intervened by giving him a lamb to sacrifice instead.
Allah commanded him to share it with everyone. Commenting on meaning of the story, Jalal added: “God wants your faith to be strong and for us to care for our neighbours.”
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