On Sunday, over 10,000 people filled the Western Fair Agriplex to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the joyous festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.

Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal, Chair of the London Council of Imams, explained the significance of the event: “Today’s celebration is about breaking the fast. It’s an expression of gratitude to God for guiding us through this holy month of fasting and worship. At the same time, it brings the community together to celebrate, while also keeping in mind those in need—whether locally or in distant parts of the world.”

The event included a pair of prayers followed by a family-friendly celebration featuring play equipment for children. While the Western Fair hosted the largest gathering, mosques around the city also held morning prayers, bringing the total number of attendees across London to an estimated 20,000 Muslims.

Habib Habib, attending the prayer with his family, shared his reflection: “After a month of fasting, coming together to commemorate all that we’ve done and sacrificed brings joy. It’s a reminder of the spiritual journey we’ve experienced. Our community has grown so much. From just two centres to now ten, we’re still in need of larger spaces, like the Western Fair, to bring everyone together.”

For many, the day was a celebration of unity, with friends, family, and neighbors coming together. Wafa Tabidi captured the spirit of the day: “It’s about music, blessings, and joy in our prayers and the gathering. We are so happy. After fasting for a month, we now celebrate with a deep sense of fulfillment.”

In his speech following the prayers, Imam Twakkal stressed the importance of civic engagement, urging attendees to vote in the upcoming election. He emphasized finding candidates who share their values and noted that, together, they can influence the political landscape.

As Ramadan comes to a close, Imam Twakkal reminded the community to carry forward the lessons learned during the month: “The discipline and selflessness we practiced during Ramadan should not end here. The goal is to form good habits and leave behind bad ones. Let’s continue to strive for growth, gratitude, and reflection on the many blessings we have received.”

The celebrations at Western Fair provided not only a space to come together in worship but also a moment to renew a collective commitment to positive change, both individually and as a community.