Eid

A FOUR-year-old girl was tragically killed after a careless driver, 23, ploughed into the pavement.

Mayar Yahia was struck down on a Birmingham street while walking with her family after celebrating Eid.

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Horror unfolded on April 14 last year when Javonnie Tavener sped through a barrier in his Corsa.

He ploughed into the little girl, her mother Sara, and their neighbour on Upper Highgate Street.

She was an extraordinary young girl, only four-years-old, full of life and joy, and her absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives

Mayar’s grieving father

Paramedics tragically pronounced the tot dead at the scene, while Sara and her friend were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Three other pedestrians were also hurt in the crash.

Cops later detained and charged 23-year-old Tavener with causing death by careless driving, causing death whilst driving uninsured and two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving.

He pleaded guilty to all charges at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday this week.

The defendant has been remanded in custody while awaiting a sentencing date.

In a statement, released via West Midlands Police at the time of her death, Mayar’s grieving father said words failed to capture his grief.

He said: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the devastating loss of our cherished daughter, Mayar.

“She was an extraordinary young girl, only four-years-old, full of life and joy, and her absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives.

“Among all, she held a special place in my heart.

“Words fail to capture the depth of our grief and the magnitude of this loss.

“However, we find solace and strength in the unwavering support and compassion shown by the police officers, our community, family, and friends.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who have stood by our side, offering your love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.”

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from WMP’S serious collision investigation unit, said: “Mayar was just four years old when her life was tragically taken away from her.

“She was walking back with her family and friends after celebrating Eid.

“Pedestrians should be afforded and be reassured of protection when walking on the pavement and a split-second decision by Tavener to overtake where he did has led to this tragic chain of events.

“I would urge all drivers to think about this incident and how those decisions can have such catastrophic consequences.”

The road where Mayar was killed is now set to be pedestrianised after a campaign led for safer streets and roads.

It will stop traffic from reaching a stretch of Upper Highgate Street near New Hope Community Park.

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Muslims around the globe are celebrating Eid al-Adha, one of the biggest holidays in the Islamic calendar that commemorates sacrifice and submission to God.

The festival, running from June 6-9, honours the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God’s command that he sacrifice his only son Ismail, ignoring the devil’s attempts to dissuade him from the act.

The devil appeared before Ibrahim three times, but the prophet responded by throwing stones, driving him away. As he was about to kill his son, God stayed his hand and spared his son, giving him a lamb to sacrifice instead.

The “Feast of Sacrifice” is traditionally marked by the slaughter of an animal, typically a goat, sheep, cow, bull or camel, with the meat shared among neighbours, family members and the poor.

The start of the event coincides with the final rites of the annual Hajj, the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, observed by adult Muslims.

In remembrance of Ibrahim’s resistance to Satan, pilgrims at Hajj participate in a symbolic “stoning of the devil” at the Jamarat complex in Mina, near Mecca.

The stoning ritual takes place at the three spots where it is said the devil tried to dissuade Ibrahim from obeying God, represented by three concrete walls.

Pilgrims collected their pebbles overnight on Thursday from Muzdalifah, an area located a few kilometres away from Arafat, a hill outside the city of Mecca with great spiritual significance.

On Friday, an estimated 1.6 million-plus pilgrims stoned the devil, throwing their pebbles at the concrete walls in Mina.

For some, the ritual marks a solemn moment – a complete submission to God. For others, it represents a victory over evil.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the third day of Hajj. Here’s how to say ‘Eid Mubarak’ in different languages.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, is observed on the third day of Hajj, which falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hijja, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Adha is the second major festival in the Islamic calendar, celebrated roughly 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

When is Eid al-Adha?

This year, the first day of Eid al-Adha falls on June 6 in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, while some other countries will mark it on June 7.

There are about 1.9 billion Muslims around the world, approximately 25 percent of the world population. Indonesia has the world’s highest Muslim population, with some 230 million Muslims living in the country. Pakistan is second with about 212 million Muslims, followed by India (200 million), Bangladesh (150 million) and Nigeria (100 million).

What happens during Eid al-Adha?

In the days leading up to Eid al-Adha, Muslims prepare by preparing their homes, buying new clothes and planning special meals for the occasion.

On the first day of Eid, those who are financially able are required to sacrifice an animal – usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel – and distribute a portion of the meat to the less fortunate. This act commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s (Ibrahim) willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmail (Ismael) in obedience to God.

The rest of the holiday is spent visiting family and friends, exchanging greetings and gifts, and sharing festive meals.

Eid greetings in different languages

The most common greeting is Eid Mubarak. The Arabic saying translates to “blessed Eid”.

Here is how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world.