www.islamonline.net
Emdad Rahman
The English capital was once again filed with much colour, fervour, celebration and vivacity as people from diverse communities and walks of life came together to celebrate Eid Ul Fitr.
A fun day out for all Londoners saw this annual event bring together thousands of Londoners, providing a vast and plentiful array of childrens activities, stalls and live performances.
For the fourth year running, the office of the Mayor of London, with the assistance of the Muslim Council of Britain, came together to bring 'Eid in the Square.'
Trafalgar Square was transformed into a performance tent with the landmark Square playing host to storytellers, exhibitions, singers, musicians and theatre.
Guests were also treated to a superb range of nasheeds by various artists. Included were live performances and acts from Pearls of Islam, Mecca2Medina and Ashiq Ar Rasul amongst others.
The now customary Eid in the Square celebrations presented by Murtaza ‘Murtz’ Ali, Aki Dean & Saba Zaman were first announced and celebrated in 2006, in a huge event in Trafalgar Square organised by the Mayor of London and the Muslim Council of Britain.
The celebrations and festivities have continued to be held on an annual basis and have become more more vibrant, colourful and popular by the year.
“It’s a beautiful day, and a great time to celebrate this wonderful time,” said Aaley Hilmi, 24.
“I’ve travelled from Birmingham to join all the people I see around me. It’s my first time here and it’s beautiful to see so many different humans happy on one plain.”
The performance and exhibition tent featured beautiful works of Islamic Art and Islamic Ceramics. There was also a “Reelhood” Screening by the Muslim Youth Helpline.
Huwa, 17 lives in London; “I’ve really had an enjoyable day,” she told Islam Online.
“Eid in the Square is a wonderful opportunity for London's communities to come together. We are thankful to Mayor Boris for facilitating this.”
This year there was an additional children’s Marquee on the North Terrace with lots of fun with calligraphy, painting and other activities. The Light of Guidance Theatre were also in top form, delivering performances on contemporary issues and the resonance of Islam’s teachings in today’s world.
The group specially produced ‘Who’ll win the Million?’ for Eid in the Square, a short play about Abdul Malik, who hopes to win a million dinars to visit his grandson Adam in London and soon finds himself in the hotseat of the Arab version of ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’.
Shaheena Bibi got drooling tastebuds in a frenzy as she talked delicious Eid foods of all cultures, whilst Mohsen Keiany talked about his Persian art.
Attendees were also treated to a sneak preview of Mahmood Jamal’s soon to be launched Penguin Book of Mystical Verse.
Mounir Saidoune and Tayeb Fghoul from North African Arts W10 treated London to classic north African drumming.
There was also an ensemble from Sajid Ahmed Khan, the foremost exponent of Qawwali in Europe.
“Over the years Eid in the Square has broken down and challenged many misconceptions about Muslims,” said Sara, a resident of Greenwich borough. “This is the second time I have attended. I enjoyed the performances and Shelina’s hosting so much last year I’m back for more. I haven’t been disappointed.”
As readers will be mostly aware Eid in the Square celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the glorious day of Eid Ul Fitr. The day of Eid is one of both cultural significant in Islamic life as well as an occasion for spiritual blessings. It is a festival of great happiness and celebration and is rejoiced by millions of Muslims around the world, bringing communities, families and friends together.
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