Hundreds of Sufi-Muslims from mosques across North Kirklees turned out for the annual Eid-Milad Peace Procession in Heckmondwike.

Jointly organised by the Sufi-Muslim spiritual movement Dawat-E-Islami and the Kanzul-Iman Jamia Mosque based on Albion Street, the peace walk was the region's final one marking the end of this year's ‘Mawlid’ or prophet Mohammad's birthday celebration events taking place across the district.

Those who joined in the Heckmondwike festivities walked with volunteers and congregation members from the Albion Street place of worship along the customary procession route, waving green Sufi-Muslim flags.

The colour green in Islam is a symbol of love for nature and the environment. Green is also the colour painted on the dome above prophet Mohammad's tomb at his mosque in the city of Madina in Saudi Arabia.

Famous Muslim poet Imam Mohammad Yasir Athari holding a tray of Indian Mithai sweets during this year's procession in Heckmondwike.

placeholder image — Famous Muslim poet Imam Mohammad Yasir Athari holding a tray of Indian Mithai sweets during this year's procession in Heckmondwike.

This year's procession was also attended by a special honorary guest scholar from Pakistan. Moalana Abdul Habeeb Athari is one of the senior executive committee members of Dawat-E-Islami, and is a well known face on the movement's hugely popular international Madani Channel that is seen by millions on Sky TV.

The visiting scholar spoke inside the Albion Street Mosque on the day of the procession to a predominantly young audience about the theme of what it means to be a good Muslim and a good citizen in Islam.

Stalls set up in various parts of the neighbourhood by local residents provided samosas, warm herbal tea and Cadbury's Roses chocolates, along with Indian Mithai sweets. The refreshments were given free to passing members of the public.

The procession returned back afterwards to the Albion Street Mosque's car park where an outdoor prayer service for world peace was held. Everyone then went inside to read their mid-afternoon congregational Asar Namaz prayers.

A group of youngsters getting ready to set off on the peace walk.

Head Imam at Kanzul-Iman Jamia Mosque, Mufti Allama-Moalana Shams-Ul-Huda Khan Misbahi, said: “Our Eid-Milad peace procession was as always a procession of harmony and love.

“This was not a political march. Our purpose, similar to previous years, was to spread a much-needed important message of peace and goodwill.”

The senior scholar also had an important message for the youth.

He said: “Being a good citizen in Islam means thinking about your neighbour's welfare, as well as looking after your neighbourhood.

“Do your bit similar to other communities by making sure your neighbourhoods are clean tidy places. Go out of your way to support any recycling projects.

“Drive carefully on the roads and refrain from any unnecessary speeding.

“Make sure your streets are places where people find tranquility and peace. Always be available to help your neighbours, especially if they are elderly, disabled or house-bound.

“Stay away from any anti-social behaviour such as wasting time and money on buying fireworks and then setting them off at night or during wedding receptions.

“All these bad anti-social habits are against Islam's teachings. They have absolutely nothing to do with your religion. You must act as ambassadors of peace.

“A Muslim is someone who gives a sense of security and happiness to his or her neighbours.”