FAITH leaders are to host a joint ceremony on December 24 to mark the "happy coincidence" of Christmas Eve with the Muslim prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Archdeacon of Oxford Martin Gorick and Imam Monawar Hussain, of Oxford’s Muslim community, said the service would take place in Manzil Way at the Central Mosque during the morning, ahead of the start of Christmas celebrations across the city's churches later in the day.

It is because the Muslim celebration of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, Eid Milad ul-Nabi, more commonly known as Mawlid, has this year fallen on December 24.

Some British Muslims mark the occasion with fasting and special prayers or conferences.

Mr Gorick said: "Mawlid falls so close to Christmas this year, when Christians will be coming together across Oxford and across the world to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

"It is a happy coincidence and it will be good to join together.

"As interfaith leaders in Oxford we often meet to celebrate all we have in common as human beings, and to think how we can best work together for the common good. 

"Always united against hatred. Always united for peace."

Imam Hussain added: "At this moment, we know our Christian brothers and sisters in this beautiful city of ours, and across the world, will be celebrating Christmas and we send all good wishes to them for Christmas and the new year.”