Thousands turned out yesterday to celebrate the Prophet Mohammad’s birth.

Members of the Waltham Forest Islamic Association (WFIA) and local residents joined a procession, now in its 32nd year, around the streets of Leyton and Walthamstow for Milaad un Nabi, a key annual event in the Muslim calendar.

Over 4,000 residents took part carrying banners and reciting poetry while two double-decker buses transported those less able to join the procession.

Celebrations continued throughout the day at Lea Bridge Road Mosque which were broadcast live online.

After an address from Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy thousands gathered for a mass dinner at the mosque where 14 raffle winners were awarded tickets for a short pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Tariq Mahmood of the WFIA said: “People were remarkably buoyant even though it was very cold. It was a chance to recall some of the pivotal lessons from the life of Prophet Muhammad which bring us all together, like brotherhood, understanding and love.”

 

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