Bradford awash with green for peace celebration

LAP OF THE CITY: Parade attendees marched through Manningham as part of their celebrations

Annual parade aims to shine positive light on city’s Muslims

Over one thousand Muslims took to the streets of Bradford last weekend to celebrate the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad.

In one of the most well-attended events in the city, worshippers gathered at the Jamia Masjid Naqshbandia Aslamia on Tile Street, Manningham, where celebrations also coincided with the sixth year anniversary of the opening of NADA's Jamia Masjid Naqshbandia Aslamia Islamic Centre.

Attendees from across the UK turned out for the day, with the annual march through the city’s streets followed by a ‘spiritual meditation programme’ at the mosque.

Nasheed artists performed for guests on the day, whilst the keynote address was in English from the world renowned Shaykh Mohammed Aslam of Birmingham.

BUSY CROWDS: Over 1,000 people were in attendance on the day

To conclude the festivities, members of the Masjid headed out to the streets to deliver food to local residents as a way of promoting interfaith relations with the local community.

Nazim Ali, NADA secretary, said he was delighted to see religions unite on the day.

“The aim of the event is to promote community cohesion by showing that Islamic values and principles are compatible with modern contemporary Britain,” he said.

“Such events demonstrate the need for greater tolerance and understanding amongst diverse religious groups particularly as there are so many stereotypes, ignorance and misunderstanding in the media.

“Our message is quite clear: our similarities are a source for strength for us all irrespective whichever faith we follow as we all share the universal principles of love, peace and purity of intention.”

He added: “It is the 17th year in a row that we have organised this highly successful annual parade to spread the message of peace, love and harmony. Hence, celebrate diversity and actively promote tolerance.”