Hundreds gather for Eidal-Adha prayers in the Henwick Park, Thatcham

Hundreds gathered in Thatcham to celebrate Eid-al-Adha with West Berkshire Muslim Centre (WBMC).

Families, friends and the wider community – of around 400 people – congregated on the Henwick playing fields for morning prayers on June 28.

They then enjoyed activities, free food and drink and children were given goodie bags. An ice cream van was also on-site.

Eid-al-Adha is the second Eid celebration in the Islamic lunar calendar following Eid-ul-Fitr which follows the month of Ramadan.

Eid-al-Adha coincides with the end of the Hajj – the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

Event lead and WBMC executive member Azmal Shah said: “Thanks to Caroline Booth from West Berkshire Council and the fantastic team at Henwick for helping to prepare the grounds.

“Thank you also to the residents opposite the grounds who welcomed the event and appreciated our approach to keeping them informed of the plans.

“Finally, thank you to all the volunteers, without whom the event would not have been possible."

WBMC said a sermon was delivered on togetherness, unity, forgiveness, and respect which stressed the Islamic fact that in the eyes of God – Allah in Arabic – we are all equal as human beings.

The congregation then all prayed together in the outdoors.

Attendee Louise Sievewright said: "For me, the Eid prayer is about coming together collectively to celebrate and connect spirituality to God and remember Him always.

“The day is full of happiness, joy and wholesomeness.

“It feels like one big, united family when we are all together."

Couple Saba Haseen and Adeel Ahmad just moved to the area and said that the event refreshed their spirits and said this kind of thing is needed in a world that is rife with friction and violence.

Attendee Zelina Francis said: “A spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally and socially uplifting experience that any other act cannot replace.

“Going to the gym, receiving lots of money, and a loving gesture from a special loved one are acts that fulfil you in some way, but none of these tick all the boxes that prayer in the congregation does.”

She added: “When you are experiencing pain, anxiety or mourning, it may not change your reality, but it certainly changes the way you feel about facing your reality in a strange healing way."

Teenager Aaryan Shariff said: "The Eid prayer, what a beautiful and peaceful experience.

“We came together out on the open field, breathing in the fresh air, hearing the birds tweet and admiring Allah's [God’s] creation.

“It's a day that boosts our spiritual and self-morale.”