A MARCH of peace was held last weekend through Bradford to mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, organised by the Bradford Grand Mosque.

Crowds set off from Horton Park Avenue on Sunday reciting prayers and carrying banners with messages of peace, love and tolerance, to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi.

Earlier in the day, guest speakers had addressed crowds at the mosque while also enjoying food served throughout the day.

Mohammad Riaz, chair of Bradford Grand Mosque, said: “We would like to emphasise that the message of the procession is and has always been to spread a message of peace, compassion and tolerance.

“We want to show this is the true message that the Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, brought for mankind. We thank all our friends and the whole local community who have joined us today in celebration.”

The procession has been running for decades in Bradford, and attracts attendees from the local community and all over the UK.

Junaid Ali travelled from Peterborough in Cambridgeshire for the event. he said: “There are many events held throughout the UK, in-fact throughout the world, during this month to honour the birth of the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him.

“I have travelled quite some distance to join the community of Bradford in celebration as the atmosphere and warm welcome you receive by the people here is unmatched anywhere else.”

Mohammad Ayub, who organised the march, added: “We would like to thank all our volunteer teams and everyone who has helped to make event an amazing success including the traffic management team and all local organisations and businesses who have always supported us.”

As well as joining the march, families celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi in their own home privately, and also donate food to the poor. STI School, the supplementary school at Bradford Grand Mosque, holds an annual fundraiser.

Mohammed Naveed Sialvi, headteacher at STI, said: “Every year at the time of the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday, we celebrate the message he brought by contributing to a good cause in our local community.

“The fundraiser is part of the Annual Milad Activity Week held at STI School to mark the birth of the Prophet Mohammed and has been a regular feature in our annual calendar for nearly ten years.

“Over those years we have raised thousands of pounds that have been distributed to a variety of noble causes such as Marie Curie Cancer Care, Bradford Food Bank and have also distributed toys and gifts to children undergoing treatment at the local hospitals.”