MUSLIMS celebrated Eid al-Fitr with prayers and family meals yesterday to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Wycombe Islamic Mission and Mosque Trust welcomed hundreds of worshippers to its three mosques for prayers.

Trust chairman Zafar Iqbal said: “It was a lovely family occasion. It was very colourful and everyone was very happy.

“We had two messages this year, as there are concerns about the situation in Gaza, and one was to stay calm, peaceful and demonstrate our frustrations in the right way.

“The second was to work together with other faiths and communities, and embrace all the activities in the town.”

Meanwhile, hundreds more took part in a service held at Wycombe Sports Centre by the Wycombe Islamic Society (WISE).

Rafi Shafi, chairman of WISE, led the prayers and did the sermon.

This year’s message was about the basics of Islam and the importance of continuing the habits developed over Ramadan.

Prayer-goers also paused to think about those unfortunate enough to be without food all year round and those suffering in war zones.

WISE’s Zahid Jawed said: “Ramadan was difficult this year.

“The days were very long, it was very hot and many of us had to wake up early for work. But it was worth it.

“Many of us live very comfortable lives and Ramadan makes us appreciate all the good things we have.”

The services were followed with family gatherings and visits to cemeteries to remember loved ones lost.

Muslims have two Eid celebrations a year. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and a month of fasting between dawn and sunset.

The second is Eid-ul-Adha, which is held over three days and marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.