Celebrating Eid - a message from Trust chaplain, Imam Siraj

This weekend, thousands of Muslims up and down the country will be breaking their month long fast with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Imam Siraj, Muslim chaplain for the Trust, has prepared an Eid message of support which will be broadcast on a local radio station to all those celebrating in the community on Sunday.

In his message, Imam Siraj says: “After the strength of fasting from dawn to dusk, we will be celebrating the festival of Eid this weekend, one of the most important dates in our calendar.

“Unfortunately, our usual celebrations will seem like a distant memory to many Muslims. Places of worship remain closed and communal Eid prayer will not be conducted at local mosques. Likewise, social distancing rules mean we are unable to visit our friends and family in person.

“These are unprecedented times, not just for Muslims, but for all of humanity. Despite this, we have witnessed some of the most extraordinary acts of kindness and togetherness like the clap for carers every Thursday. This has cultivated a sense of community spirit and solidarity, which is the essence of Ramadan and Eid.

“I urge Muslims to make this Eid as special as every other, albeit in the confines of our home. We can celebrate Eid virtually with our friends and family.

“As we rejoice on this day, I ask you to spare a thought for all those who have lost someone they love during this pandemic. I pray that Allah bless us all and that he makes our society more compassionate to one other.

“Eid Mubarak to all.”

The full message will be aired on community radio station Lockdown FM as part of the Eid celebrations over this weekend.

You can tune in to Lockdown FM on 100.7 FM in Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh and North Baddesley or listen in online.