British Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr

British Muslims are celebrating the festival of Eid al-Fitr on Friday* to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims have been fasting for the past month and many have spent time towards devotional and charitable acts. Eid represents the culmination of this spiritual Muslim season.

Across the world, Eid will be celebrated this weekend, but in its own, unique, local style. In the UK, the Muslim Council of Britain will be inviting all to celebrate Eid with Muslim Londoners on 20 October in Trafalgar Square. The occasion will bring together London’s diverse Muslim community who will enjoy the best of British Muslim cultural talent.

In his annual Eid al Fitr message, the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, said: `Eid transcends barriers and boundaries and unites human beings in common joy. It reminds us of the importance of harmony, human equality and compassion for all.’ He added `Muslims in Britain face many challenges and hurdles. In the face of the slings and arrows that come our way, I urge my brothers and sisters to remain resilient and steadfast, reach out to your neighbours of all faiths and none, be vigilant in upholding your rights but be ever ready in discharging your responsibilities to all those around you, with humility and compassion. Eid al-Fitr translates as the ‘festival of charity’, I hope we can all uphold the spirit of charity in the year to come.’

* Some are celebrating Eid on Friday 12 October, whilst others are celebrating on Saturday or Sunday, depending on the rulings and traditions of Islam, and decisions of local community mosques.

Notes to Editors:
1. Eid in the Square is to take place in the world famous Trafalgar Square in the heart of London on 20 October between 1pm and 5pm. For further information, visit: www.eidinthesquare.com
2. The event, marking the end of Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, is supported by the Mayor of London and organised by the Muslim Council of Britain. Eid in the Square, the second of its kind, brings together London’s diverse Muslim communities and extends an invitation to the rest of London to celebrate together
3. The Muslim Council of Britain (www.mcb.org.uk) is the UK’s representative Muslim umbrella body with over 400 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.

The MCB – PO Box 57330, London E1 2WJ – Email:[email protected] Tel:+44 (0) 845 26 26 786 Fax:+44 (0) 207 247 7079