Thousands of Muslims will take part in a colourful procession organised to mark the birth of the prophet Muhammed in Bristol on Sunday at 2pm.
The procession will leave Easton Jamia Masjid on St Marks Road, at 2.30pm aiming to arrive at Fishponds Madani Masjid on Lodge Causeway at 3.30pm
The event on Sunday afternoon 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.
All four chairs will address the crowds at various points throughout the March, preaching various messages of peace and promoting diversity and inclusion, as well as thanking Bristol for allowing its citizens to share their religious festival of the birth of the prophets every year in our streets.
Christmas Eve this year was the Prophet Mohammad's birthday, hence many from the muslin faith decorated their homes with lights and tinsel and also shared gifts and greetings with the their non Muslim neighbours.
It is hoped that thousands of people from all backgrounds and ages will take part and follow the route agreed by the police and the city council. This year's procession is expected to be the biggest ever.
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.
"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 based around the movements of the moon.
In the UK most Muslims mark the occasion by fasting or by holding special prayers or conferences.
The celebrations generally consist of lectures, speeches, poems and spiritual songs on the life of Mohammad and the Islamic lifestyle this year it's has been agreed that all four chairs of the mosques will address the youth and inspire a new wave of work trying to provide a counter narrative to the minority of extremists high jacking Islam world wide.
Muslims see the Eid Milad ul-Nabi as an important time to learn about and refer to the lessons humans of all backgrounds can learn from then religion. Then organisers will be going out cards with roses which will include a simple quote that will hopefully make people smile and maybe even join the event.
