By Nadeya Hussain –
Eid Al-Fitr is the celebration at the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims worldwide. It’s a festival where family and friends come together to share the occasion through gifts, feasts, and bonding. Depending on the first sighting of the crescent moon, Eid will fall on either the 12th or the 13th of May.
Reflecting on last year, Eid was celebrated in a way unlike any other year before. As we were in lockdown, there were restrictions and measures in place. This restricted family gatherings and mosque prayers, which meant people couldn’t celebrate it in their traditional style. They instead had to have prayers within their households and any meetings and gifts were shared virtually.
However, with lockdown restrictions finally coming to an end, we can now celebrate with our families according to the government’s roadmap. Although the celebration will still remain small, with the rule of six people from up to six households applied, it still is much better than last year.
Unlike last year, you can now attend morning Eid prayers either in the mosque or any outdoor location as you can now meet people outdoors.
You can also now eat out at a restaurant in outdoor seating. This means that families or friends can have a meal in a different environment besides indoors.
However, the real meaning of Eid is based on unity and bondage, so the most important aspect of this year is that they will be allowed to meet their families in households. Families will dress up, give and receive gifts and spend time enjoying time within the household. But now, they do have the extra option of going outdoors to parks and other public areas within their bubble. Friends can also celebrate with each other and join each other’s families for meals (as long as they apply to the rules).
Many people during Eid travel to their hometowns to celebrate with extended families. However, although traveling abroad is not allowed, you can travel freely between England, Scotland, and Wales as long as you’re aware and careful.
