Bengalis celebrate Eid

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani

London: An estimated 2.8 million Muslims living in the UK celebrated the holy festival of Eid al-Adha on Friday 31 August. The half a million strong Bengali community in the UK also celebrated Eid with family members in a limited manner as Corona lockdown remains and new restrictions have been introduced in the northern cities of England. The BBC reported that Leicester’s, one of Britain’s most vibrant multi-cultural cities, Eid al-Adha looked rather muted. With the city still in lockdown and restrictions not due to be lifted until Monday, religious leaders and councils have reminded people not to gather in mosques and everyone has been encouraged to stay at home. Similarly, to other parts of northern England, residents have been told not to meet with different households in their homes and gardens and park gatherings should be limited to six people.

But mosques have now reopened in London and other town and cities for prayer and service, but in a COVID-secure way and ensuring social distancing. This meant most mosques were not able to welcome as many worshippers as before. Some mosque even took online bookings to avoid large congregation. The Muslim community was told to follow government safety guidelines to ensure protection of family, friends and community by keeping a safe distance, maintaining good hygiene and to be aware of what to do if one has the symptoms of Covid-19.

Eid prayers were held across over a thousand mosques in the UK. London Borough of Tower Hamlets, where majority Bengalis reside, has over forty mosques. There were several jamaats in those mosques. The largest mosque of Bengalis Muslims, the Brick Lane Jamme Masjid held four jamaats starting at 8 am, second at 9 am, third at 10 am and the final one at 11 am. Mosques have had to adapt, which meant that fewer people than normal were able to attend. Some also celebrated with families and friends using digital technology such as Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, Facetime, Viber and other technological means. Worshippers had to bring their own prayers mat, performing wudu at home before coming to the mosque, and face mask was compulsory. While entering the mosque they were also checked for temperature too. Some prayers were held outdoors in open grounds and various parks,

as the weather was good and the temperature reached almost 35 °c in London.

The High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem gave an Eid message online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4TAsshjiaE

Similarly, the Mayor of Tower Hamlets Council John Biggs wished Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community by saying that Eid Al-Adha celebrates the end of Hajj, a time of great celebration – families together, mass worship and pilgrimage. It’s also a time to celebrate the strong community we have here in Tower Hamlets – we work together, celebrate each other’s successes and respect each other’s faiths. This year things are obviously a bit different, but I think the same values and the same spirit remains. And so, Eid Mubarak and very best wishes to everyone celebrating – I hope you enjoy this time with your family but please do so safely too https://twitter.com/MayorJohnBiggs/status/1288897294658678791 The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also gave Eid message https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlNGRFk5bcc