Bradford, England — Muslims across the UK are marking Eid al-Fitr with vibrant celebrations, as the holy month of Ramadan concludes. This festive occasion, known for family gatherers and joyous prayers, is particularly significant in Bradford, where the Central Mosque hosted its first live broadcast of the Eid prayers on BBC One.
The live event indicates growing recognition of the Muslim community, as the broadcast highlights the importance of Eid. The mosque welcomed worshippers who filled its halls for prayers and celebrations throughout the morning.
Shaykh Syed Ahsan, who led the prayer, expressed the honor of guiding the televised service. “It’s a great responsibility to convey the beauty of Eid and the values of peace and harmony that Islam teaches,” he stated.
Eid is not just a spiritual event; it brings a boost to local businesses in Bradford. Atsha Ali, a worker at Shaam G clothing store, reported a significant rise in sales, with an estimated 60% increase leading up to Eid. “Eid is one of the busiest times for us. We are open till late on the final days, and the farshi shalwar is trending this year,” Ali noted.
While families indulge in new clothes and festive meals, the essence of giving remains strong. Shaykh Ahsan highlighted Zakat al-Fitr, an obligatory donation meant to support the less fortunate before Eid, reminding attendees of the significance of charity beyond monetary gifts.
In other cities, such as Birmingham and Sheffield, Eid celebrations foster a communal spirit. Aqsa Nasar, a participant in Birmingham, described the event as “unreal and beautiful,” uniting people under the shared joy of the occasion. In Sheffield, university students Dana and Riham reflected on the transformative nature of Ramadan and the bittersweet feelings accompanying Eid.
Across the globe, however, not all Muslims were celebrating. In Gaza, Palestinians faced a somber Eid due to ongoing conflicts, marking the holiday with deep loss. “It’s the Eid of sadness,” shared Adel al-Shaer, expressing the grief of losing loved ones amidst the precarious situation.
Despite challenges, Eid embodies hope and renewal. For many families, it is a time to relive cherished traditions and create memories. Tayyeba Zeb from Garforth celebrated with new joy as a new mother. “Eid is a day full of fun and food, similar to Christmas! We enjoy a lavish breakfast together with our children,” she shared.
In Senegal and Nigeria, vibrant traditions accompany Eid celebrations, embodying community spirit and cultural heritage. Notably, in Kano, the traditional Durbar festival features grand equestrian displays, merging religious observances with vibrant local culture.
As worshippers hugged and exchanged greetings after prayers in Bradford, Sara Khan, a guest chef for the BBC’s Eid special, reflected, “Eid is a joyous celebration, marking accomplishments during Ramadan, and sharing this with family is what makes it special.”
With millions coming together to celebrate Eid, the beauty of unity amidst diversity shines bright in the heart of communities, echoing the rich traditions of generosity, faith, and togetherness.
