Story: Amina Ali Photo: Graham Jones (Additional information kindly supplied by Guleid Jama)
An estimated 1.800 people from various backgrounds came together to Spital Hill Tesco’s underground car park on Friday the 17th July to celebrate Eid Al-fitr, the completion of Ramadan.
In previous years Eid was always held in several different locations as space was limited.
This was the biggest Eid day prayer gathering I have seen in Sheffield, which gave the whole prayer a sense of unity and so, by Tesco opening up their shop, they truly embraced the community around them.The opportunity to pray together was warmly welcomed:
“Tesco really became a part of the community by being part of such an important day.” Mohamed Awgaab.
“Eid prayers being at Tesco felt like we all came together.”
Farthi Daher.
“The venue really helped bring everybody out to pray together.”
Mohamed Ali Mohammed .
The event was organised by At-Taqwa Mosque on Andover Street with support from other local mosques. Imam Sheik Mahamed Ali Mawlid, the Head teacher of the At-Taqwa Education Centre led the prayers and concluded with a message of universal peace.
Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of the holy month of fast of Ramadan. Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity”, while Fitr means “to break the fast.
The day of Eid al-Fitr is celebrated first by attending the mosque. Children receive presents and money from elder members of the family, relatives and neighbours. Lunch is usually eaten in large family groups.
Eid prayers at Tesco was so successful that it is hoped that it will be repeated there next year