Thousands of Muslims are expected to take part in a colourful procession tomorrow to mark the birth of the prophet Muhammed.
The parade will leave Easton Jamia Masjid on St Marks Road, at 2.30pm and arrive at Fishponds Madani Masjid on Lodge Causeway at around 3.30pm
This year’s procession is expected to be the biggest ever.
Easton councillor Afzal Shah said: “This year will be the largest gathering for a Mawlid a procession in Bristol yet, I feel this positive action will promote harmony and help people understand Islam much more, in light of recent events it’s essential the Muslim community are proactive in positive discussing, actions and dialogue.”
He added: ” I will be there and I’d like to thank the chairs of the four mosques, the congregations and most of all the Imaam’s for promoting this brilliant initiative. I think we should all add this now to our yearly diary!
The Prophet’s birthday – known as Eid MIlad ul-Nabi – falls on the 12th or 17th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-awwal.
It changes every year because the Islamic calendar is lunar.
In the UK most Muslims mark the occasion by fasting or by holding special prayers or conferences.
Abdul Malik chair of Easton Jamia Masjid said: “This event has grown year on year, we are so happy that there is so much love for the prophets of our religions and then gathering will show unity, peace and tolerance, we feel as Muslims there’s is a need for us to reach out and work with other regions and people of non religion too.”
The event is being arranged by the city’s four biggest mosques Easton Jamia Mosque whose Chair is Abdul Malik, Fishponds Madani Mosque whose chair is AliShaan Raza Attari, Totterdown Mosque whose organiser is Sikandar Butt and Hazarat Bilal Centre whose chair is Tahir Mahmood.