Eid ul Fitr: Having a happy and safe Eid
As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims will be getting ready to celebrate Eid ul Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is an incredibly important month in the Islamic faith, as it's a month of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection. For Muslims in Hackney and across the world, Ramadan was observed very differently again this year, due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
While Eid is usually celebrated with friends, family and special communal prayers, this year it will also be different. Hackney Council are urging Muslims across the borough to have a safe and happy Eid, in line with social distancing measures. While this is a break from tradition for many people, it is vital in our efforts to stop the spread of the virus and protect our local community.
As the country is still under stage two of roadmap regulations the council is reminding observing communities that, to celebrate safely, they may need to make some adjustments this year.
Residents are being asked to continue to follow the ‘Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air’ message and to only socially meet up outdoors in public places or private gardens in groups of six people or two households.
People are permitted to visit their local Mosque or place of worship under strict Covid-secure rules. Residents are asked to find out how their Mosque is adapting to restrictions by contacting them in advance.
Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. A special month for spiritual reflection, growth and acts of charity. Covid-19 meant that our traditional Ramadan customs and celebrations have had to be suspended, but the charitable spirit of Ramadan lives on, with enhanced digital campaigns and online fundraising. It is essential that this Eid we continue to look after ourselves, our loved ones and our community. Vaccination is the best way to protect ourselves from the virus and slow the spread, and if it’s time for you to book your vaccine, please take it!
I hope that soon we will be able to celebrate Eid as we normally do. In the meantime, please stay safe and well. Eid Mubarak to everyone who is celebrating in Hackney and across the world.
The festival of Eid marks the end of Ramadan and I know many of you are wondering whether they will be able to pray in congregation or meet with friends and family on Eid ul-Fitr. Mosques are open for communal worship under strict Covid-secure rules. Please find out how your mosque is adapting to restrictions by contacting them in advance.
I would like to wish you and your loved ones a blessed and joyous Eid-ul-Fitr. This past year has been a real challenge for every member of the community, and with the second Ramadan and Eid in a row spent in lockdown, I know that Muslims in Hackney and across the country have had to make huge sacrifices.
I want to take this time to thank everyone for all the hard work during this difficult time. The humanitarian response, volunteering and charitable work undertaken continues to be inspiring to us all. Your effort and resilience has been pivotal in slowing the spread of coronavirus, and we must continue this to protect those that are vulnerable, as well as family, friends and carers. Remember to keep your distance and I wish youEid Mubarak to end this holy month and look forward to later this year when we can come together again.
The Council would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication to keep the Borough safe, with Muslims across the country patiently observing lockdown measures during this holy month and helping save lives.
Current Covid restrictions mean people must:
- Not meet indoors with people you don't live with or are not in a bubble with
- Only meet outdoors within the rule of six or a larger group from two households
- Keep 2m away from those you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with
If everyone keeps following the rules and case numbers stay low, the next step in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown is set to ease further restrictions on 17 May.
If you are aged 40 or over you are now eligible to book your COVID-19 vaccination by calling 119 or going to the NHS website. The vaccination helps keep you and your community safe from coronavirus.