Mosque to hand out gifts at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and feed the poor during Eid

A Small Heath mosque has pledged to hand out gifts to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and help the needy during the cost-of-living crisis as Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid al-Adha next week.

Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) is delighted to announce the celebration of Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar on Wednesday 28th June.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed by Muslims worldwide to honour the faith and devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) – peace be upon him – and commemorate his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

The occasion serves as a reminder of the importance of selflessness, gratitude, charity and compassion towards others. The act of helping fellow human beings who need help and support is an integral component of the Islamic faith.

GLMCC has pledged to distribute presents to children in hospital to bring them joy during this year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations.

The Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – is reported to have said: “Give gifts to one another, you will love each other.”

In line with these teachings, GLMCC said it will send out teams to visit sick kids at Birmingham Children’s Hospital to hand out gifts. This is so that those children who are unable enjoy Eid as other children can, will still feel loved and not forgotten.

The management at GLMCC said the aim of this year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations is to bring people together, strengthen bonds, and create a sense of peace and unity within the community.

GLMCC will be organising various charitable initiatives in alignment with the spirit of Eid al-Adha. These initiatives will include the distribution of Qurbani meat to hundreds of people in need around the West Midlands who are living in poverty.

These charity projects are in partnership with Islamic Relief and Human Appeal, emphasising the importance of sharing blessings and caring for the less fortunate members of society who are experiencing hardship.

Mohammed Saeed, Chair of Trustees for GLMCC, said: “This occasion serves as a reminder for us to recognise God’s blessings and embrace the values of sacrifice, compassion, and unity.

“We look forward to coming together, extending a helping hand to those in need, and celebrating the blessings bestowed upon us as a community.”

Eid al-Adha Prayer in Small Heath Park: Date and Time

Thousands of worshippers are expected to attend the Eid in the Park prayer which will take place in Small Heath Park on the morning of Wednesday 28 June.

People are expected to arrive from 7.30am with the prayer beginning promptly at 8:30am.

The prayer will be followed by a sermon highlighting the significance of Eid al-Adha and its underlying message of sacrifice and generosity.

There will be various activities in the park for families to enjoy including the regular Robert Wilkinson funfair which will open directly after the prayer.

There will be wet weather contingency for prayers indoor at Green Lane Masjid, if the weather does not permit prayers to be held outside.

There will be five separate congregational prayers for the indoor contingency, due to the large number of people expected. Indoor prayers will run from 7:00am through to 10:00am.

Worshippers are asked to check the Green Lane Masjid website for updates regarding any last minute changes.

GLMCC said it welcomes all individuals of all faiths and backgrounds to join in the Eid al-Adha celebrations and experience the warmth, hospitality, and spiritual enrichment offered by the Muslim community.