Eid al-Adha brings Glasgow’s diverse Muslim communities together in annual celebration

Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar, has begun for Muslims worldwide.

The annual event marks the sacrifice made by the Prophet Ibrahim, celebrated through a special animal sacrifice known as Qurbani – traditionally a sheep or goat – alongside prayers and acts of charity.

The festival also marks the conclusion of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, and will continue until Tuesday evening.

Thousands of worshippers gathered at Glasgow’s Central Mosque for special prayers.

Omar Afzal, spokesperson for the Scottish Association of Mosques, told STV News: “It’s a key date within the Islamic calendar. It comes a day after the Hajj, which is when the pilgrims gather on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca and perform certain rituals to fulfil the pilgrimage.

“Many of the rituals come from the time of the Prophet Ibrahim.”

Outside the mosque, worshippers mingled with family and friends, many wearing traditional attire from countries including Libya and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, in Bridgeton, the Sudanese Muslim community came together at a makeshift mosque.

Sudan has been embroiled in civil war since April 15, 2023, following tensions between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which escalated into widespread fighting in Khartoum and other areas.

A mosque for the Sudanese community in Bridgeton STV News

Mahomed Arkou said: “The war affected me because now for more than 25 Eids, I’m celebrating outside Sudan.

“I’m not able to go back home because of insecurity, because of the war. The situation is very difficult.”

Feasting is a big part of Eid, with families gathering to to pray and share food in the spirit of generosity and faith.

Feasting remains a central part of Eid celebrations, with families and friends coming together to pray and share food in a spirit of generosity and faith. In Glasgow, a small group from the Bangladeshi community gathered in a private home to celebrate.

Shari Ali said: “It’s a time where we all come together as a family. Even if we aren’t blood-related, they are people we’ve known for a long time in our busy lives, and we’re not able to see each other often.

“During Eid, eating is a time to get to know each other very closely.”