HUNDREDS of city Muslims celebrated Eid and offered prayers for peace on one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar.

The Central Mosque in Tallow Hill was full of worshippers as Worcester's Muslims marked Eid with donations to good causes and prayers for peace, including in Palestine.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan, beginning at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon.

Imam Khalil Jibran explained the significance of Eid to Muslims. He said the fasting in Ramadan was a way to 'feel the suffering of poor people' while Eid itself is a celebration when the congregation are 'the guests of God'.

He said: "It is encouraged that you visit family members and friends and make reconciliation with those you have fallen out with. We remember the example of Joseph who forgave his brothers.

"It is a day of gratitude - the day we should show immense gratitude to our creator. We do not know whether we will live to the next one."

Worcester News: PRAYERS: L-R Abu Bakr, Haris Saleem (chair of Worcester Muslim Welfare Association) and Imam Khalil Jibran PRAYERS: L-R Abu Bakr, Haris Saleem (chair of Worcester Muslim Welfare Association) and Imam Khalil Jibran (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Another important part of Eid is Sadaqat-al-Fitr - the charity of the breaking of the fast when Muslims give donations before Eid prayers.

As well as visiting friends and family, it is also a time to visit the graves of loved ones, not necessarily family, and pray for them, asking that they be forgiven for their sins.

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"On the day we encourage prayer for all Muslims and people who are suffering across the globe," he said.

Worcester News: CELEBRATION: L-R Abdul Rauf, Hafiz Ameer Hamza, Mufti Tanveer (Imam) and Haris Saleem at the Central Mosque in Tallow Hill for Eid prayers CELEBRATION: L-R Abdul Rauf, Hafiz Ameer Hamza, Mufti Tanveer (Imam) and Haris Saleem at the Central Mosque in Tallow Hill for Eid prayers (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

For example, he said there would be prayers for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians and for those suffering in Gaza and the West Bank as Imams were called for people of different faiths to 'live together peacefully' as they had done in the past, including in Jerusalem.

"Real, true Islam calls for peaceful co-existence for all religions, regardless of your background or race," he said.

The Imam explained that the charity given at Eid would help those less fortunate, whether that be for people in Pakistan, Palestine or the UK. Buckets were filled with donations with a minimum of £5 given per person, provided that person had the means to pay.