Together in faith and community, three local organisations successfully delivered the largest Eid congregation ever held at Mayesbrook Park.

On Wednesday 27th May, millions of Muslims across the globe came together to celebrate Eid al-Adha and mark the completion of Hajj. Likewise, the Muslim community of Barking and Dagenham, alongside worshippers from surrounding areas, gathered at Mayesbrook Park in Barking to offer congregational Eid prayers in a spirit of unity, gratitude, and togetherness.

More than 5,000 men, women, and children attended the open-air Eid prayer, making it one of the largest community gatherings the borough has witnessed. As in previous years, the event was jointly organised by three local organisations: the Barking and Dagenham Muslim Association (BDMA), the Barking Community Forum (BCF), and the Longbridge Bangladeshi Community Association (LBCA).

From the early hours of the morning, attendees arrived from all directions, entering through Lodge Avenue, Clare Gardens, and Westrow Drive. Over 60 dedicated volunteers from the three organisations were present from 7am, working tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the event and creating a benchmark for future Eid and community celebrations in Barking and Dagenham.

The event was jointly chaired by Shabbir Kawsar (BDMA), Nazrul Khan (BCF), and Mollik Shakur Wadud (LBCA). Representatives from each organisation were invited to speak briefly about their work within the community, with all emphasising the themes of unity, sacrifice, and service; values that are central to Eid al-Adha.

Speakers included Atique Rahman, Chair of BDMA; Nazrul Khan, Chair of BCF; and Mollik Shakur Wadud, Secretary of LBCA.

The Eid prayer was led by Shaykh Farook Hossain of Jamiatul Ummah Madrasah. His sermon focused on the significance of Hajj, the spirit of sacrifice for the pleasure of Allah, and the importance of gratitude to the Creator.

Also in attendance were local ward councillors Faruk Chowdhury, Mashkura Binta Majid, and Rocky Gill, who attended the event to meet and greet members of the community.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of attendees, the organisers arranged first aid provision, water supplies, and volunteer welfare teams, with qualified first aiders and doctors present throughout the event.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the organisation, atmosphere, and sense of unity displayed throughout the day. More than 30% of attendees were women, many of whom expressed appreciation for the inclusive and well-managed nature of the event. Suggestions for future events included the introduction of stalls and activities for children and families.

The event concluded with a voluntary bucket collection to help cover operational costs. Within an hour of the prayers ending, volunteers had dismantled the site and cleared all litter, leaving the park clean and tidy.

Comments from the lead organisers

Shabbir Kawsar said:

“As the lead organiser of this magnificent Eid celebration at Mayesbrook Park, I am humbled and grateful for the immense support and participation from over 5,000 individuals. Together, we created an unforgettable experience that fostered unity, joy, and a true sense of community. May the success of this event inspire us to continue spreading love, embracing diversity, and strengthening the bonds that unite us. Eid Mubarak to all, and thank you for making this celebration such a tremendous success.”

Shakur Mollik Wadud said:

“As lead volunteer of this incredible Eid event, I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity, selflessness, and unwavering dedication shown by our volunteers. Together, we created a spirit of kindness, compassion, and service that positively impacted countless people. Our collective efforts remind us of the power of unity and the importance of giving back to our community. May the spirit of volunteering continue to inspire us beyond Eid and throughout the year.”

Nazrul Khan said:

“As the lead on safety for this remarkable Eid event, I am immensely proud of our collective commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone. Through careful planning, strong cooperation, and comprehensive safety measures, we created an environment where joy and peace flourished. Let this success inspire us to continue prioritising safety and community wellbeing in all future events. Eid Mubarak, and here’s to many more successful celebrations ahead.”

The management teams of BDMA, BCF, and LBCA would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed towards making the event such a memorable success. The organisations look forward to working together on future projects that continue to strengthen community cohesion across Barking and Dagenham.

The organisers are currently collecting feedback and welcome comments or suggestions via email:

1. bd.muslimassociation@gmail.com
2. lbca.org@hotmail.com
3. barkingcommunityforum@gmail.com

#EidMubarak #EidulAdha2026