A procession around Easton with Nasheed poetry will take place this Sunday to celebrate the birth of the prophet Muhammad and people from all over Bristol are encouraged to take part.
The Mawlid procession, organised annually since 2005 by Easton Jamia Mosque is expected to be bigger this year, with Muslims coming from different parts of Bristol.
Mawlid is an Arabic word meaning to give birth . In contemporary usage it refers to the observation of the birth of Muhammad.
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They will be joined by members of the council and constabulary and will be giving out flowers, sweets and chocolates to passers-by.
The Mawlid is celebrated by Muslims across the world with a difference of 10 days each year, depending on which day it falls on the Islamic calendar, dictated by lunar cycles.
Due to the cold weather “The Prophet of Mercy Procession” will be slightly shorter, starting at the Mosque on St Marks road at 3pm, along Belle Vue Road, up Robertson Road and then along Stapleton Road before returning to the Mosque at 4.30pm.
Arif Khan, chair for the Council of Bristol Mosques said: “The day is about the teaching of our prophet Muhammad, how he lived his life in peace, loved the neighbourhood and loved everybody.
“Islam in reality is somewhat hijacked by a handful of people. The true teaching of Islam is about living a peaceful life and getting along with one another.
“Everyone is welcome, there are no restrictions,” added Arif.
Chair of Jamia Mosque, Abdul Malik one of the organisers, said, “This year [the procession] demonstrates that as a community we stand in solidarity with the many people who have suffered lately from the effects of Covid and the lockdown.
“The procession gives us a chance to walk through Easton, give out flowers and chocolates and talk to local residents.
“I think physically reaching out to your neighbours is profoundly important after what we have all been through.
“We will be praying for our community and neighbours and we hope that everyone will join us,” added Abdul.
Easton Councillor, Barry Parsons, although not Muslim himself will be among those joining the procession this Sunday.
Cllr Parsons said, “I’m looking forward to the Grand Mawlid procession on Sunday.
“It will be a good opportunity for the community to come together in celebration of the Prophet’s birthday.”
The Easton Jamia Mosque on St Marks Road are also inviting members of the public to join them for their open day this Saturday 6 November from 12-5pm.
For more information please see the Facebook event details here.
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