As Ramadan draws to a close, many Muslims across the world and the UK, are geared to celebrate the ultimate festivity to reflect on the month of fasting and repentance.
Eid ul Fitr, known as the ‘festival of breaking fast’ marks the start of the following month of Shawwal on the Islamic calendar, with loved ones gathering together to rejoice the end of fasting through food, laughter, prayer and togetherness. While there have been indications that Eid this year will fall on Monday, May 2, it has not yet been wholly confirmed by an official moon sighting.
Nonetheless, as the holiday approaches, it is no doubt that many are excitedly making preparations in advance to gear up for what is yet to come.
READ MORE: Grand Iftar to pay tribute to community organiser who died in 2020
We spoke to some practicing Muslims across the city who revealed what they are most looking to this Eid, and why this year is specifically important for those celebrating:
Abida Bano
I always ask Allah to give us true happiness on Eid. We have days such as birthdays or weddings but these are our days and we make so much effort to make them special. Eid is a gift of Allah and should be celebrated like no other. Best part for us as a family is attending Eid Salah with the community. Going on way but coming back taking another route while saying Takbeer.
Naseem Talukdar
EID will be a great celebration this year as we finally get to meet our friends and family face to face, in person and share the sweets and social activities with various members of the family. 2022 celebration will also mark the end of Covid for the community and winning the impossible fight as many of our Muslim brothers and sisters were standing firm at the front line during the past two years. So for me Alhamdulliah is the word this year. Also, like to make dua for those who left us.
Ali*
What I am most looking forward to during Eid is having fun with my family, friends and community and I feel like because of the two years since COVID, we've not been able to do that as much.
Eid is all about the people because they truly make the occasion.
Covid has affected me mentally on a huge level so this year having some sense of normalcy makes me feel so blessed that we get to enjoy this beautiful holiday to the max.
I am looking forward to things like wearing my brand new thobe, going to the masjid, eating biryani, etc. But I'm most looking forward to create new memories with my loved ones, so we can look back and smile. That's what makes Eid great.
Rob Mashuk
After not being able to meet family and friends due to lockdown over the past 2 years. it will be a welcomed celebration with hugs, food and gifts.
I will be able to celebrate this year with my family extended family.
Councillor Mohamed Makawi
First, I would like to congratulate the Muslim community in Bristol and all parts of the world on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, and I wish them a blessed Eid with family and friends. Our celebration this year will be different from the past two years due to the conditions of the Corona pandemic, social distancing, complete closure and prevention of gatherings in places of worship. Eid prayers take place inside The more than twenty mosques inside the city of Bristol, and if the weather is suitable, prayers are performed in the public parks, where members of the Muslim communities meet while they wear new clothes.
All family members, including women, children and men, go to perform the Eid prayer, and then receive congratulations after the prayer, visit family and relatives, and hold feasts.
It's going to be mixed feelings to celebrate Eid after a very hard & sad two years especially for the loved ones who are no longer with us , but life goes on with our prayers and Duaa to them to be in heaven.
Fatima*
I'm looking forward to helping to host an Eid party with 200 Afghan refugees. I've helped them cook their traditional meals in a kitchen and will be helping them make Eid treats for their families on Saturday. I'm cooking a Sudanese feast for asylum seekers fasting in the hotels and helping young asylum seekers celebrate Eid as well as destitute asylum seekers with donations of meat towards their Eid celebrations.
I'm also supporting Refugee Women with their Eid party too. All with donations from the community. As well as bringing with my family this is what makes my Eid this year special.
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