Redbridge Muslims marked the festival of Eid Al Adha with special services this morning across the borough.

Eid Al Adha, meaning feast of the sacrifice, follows the conclusion on Monday of the world’s largest pilgrimage, Hajj.

More than 25,000 British Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia before returning home to celebrate Eid.

Eid Al Adha is the second most important festival of Muslim calendar and in most countries is a public holiday.

The festival remembers the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to.

Eid usually starts with Muslims going for prayers at the mosque, dressed in their best clothes, and thanking god for all the blessings they have received.

It is also a time when they visit family and friends as well as giving presents.

At Eid it is obligatory to give a set amount of money to charity.

The borough’s schools have been learning about the fesitval of Eid, too.

Last week, ten students from Al-Noor Primary School on Green Lane, visited Avanti Court Primary School to teach what Eid means to Muslims across the world.

Avanti Court Primary School, Carlton Drive, Barkingside, says it hopes to build a long term educational partnership with Al-Noor.

Kelly Collins, of Avanti Court who helped organise Al-Noor’s visit, said: “It was wonderful. The children were lovely and they all made lanterns to celebrate Eid.

“We want to make sure that their faiths are embraced and celebrated,” said an Avanti School spokesperson.

An Al-Noor spokesperson said it is these partnerships that help people of all faiths “to work together for the common good.”

The spokesperson said: “Al-Noor Primary is delighted to work with Avanti Court Primary to help both our pupils to learn about and value faith to inspire them to make invaluable contributions to the lives of others and to work together for the common good.’