Hawzah News Agency (England)-A peaceful procession took place in Nottingham city centre to celebrate the prophet Muhammad's (sawa) birthday.

Hundreds of Muslims took to the streets of Nottingham marching from the Forest Recreation ground, past the intu Victoria centre and down to the Islamic Centre.

Members have done this march for five years running and want to highlight that Islam is a peaceful religion.

Hafiz Ziaulhaq, leader of the Islamic Centre spoke of why the march is important for them.

The 41-year-old said: "I lead the classes every day; we have been giving out sweets and chocolate to passers-by to interact with people."

Another member Nadeem Amin, a property developer discussed the importance of showing Islam in a positive light.

The 32-year-old said: "We are trying to portray a peaceful and loving religion, and giving what is going on around the world, we are coming together and engaging with other communities.

"We have open doors and want to welcome other communities with open arms. We have done this for the past five years, about a thousand people are here today to show this."

Mohammed Ali-Ramzan, an engineer, attended the event.

The 38-year-old said: "The flags we are flying tell people what we are doing.

"The white flag is a sign of peace and shows we are altogether, all positive and unified.

"We do this based on the Islamic Lunar calendar, next year it will be 10 days earlier as it changes every year."