Eid at Holyrood

Foysol Choudhury MSP co-hosted an Eid with Parliamentarians event at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday (2nd May 2023).

The Labour Lothians list MSP said: “Tuesday’s Eid celebration at the Scottish Parliament, organised by the Muslim Council of Scotland and co-hosted by myself and Kaukab Stewart MSP, was a fantastic event.

“We heard recitals from the holy Quran and learnt how its lessons can be applicable to all of our lives, discussed the meaning of Eid and Ramadan and joined in celebration together over food and refreshments.  

“We also heard from some fantastic speakers including First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP, Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Meghan Gallacher MSP, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh Cllr Robert Aldridge, the Turkish Consul General Özgür Yavuzer, the Pakistan Consul General Syed Zahid Raza and Dr Adrees from Muslim Council of Scotland.

“Afterwards, we shared in some delicious cake, cut by the First Minister and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar MSP, to joyous shouts of Eid Mubarak!

“To see the community join in prayer in the Scottish Parliament and share our faith with visitors and colleagues was also a special moment.

“It represented sentiments echoed through the night of how fantastic it is to see Scotland’s diverse communities and faiths represented in the Scottish Parliament, particularly with the election of Humza Yousaf as Scotland’s first Muslim First Minister.

“It was a fantastic celebration of Eid with the Muslim community from across Scotland and many guests and colleagues from all faiths, backgrounds and political parties.

“Thank you to all those who were involved in making it such a special night, including the esteemed speakers, faith leaders, the Muslim Council of Scotland, my colleague Kaukab Stewart MSP and the Scottish Parliament’s staff.

“Eid Mubarak!”

Muslim communities urged to celebrate end of Ramadan safely

Ahead of the start of Eid al-Fitr, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Eid al-Fitr, the end Ramadan’s month of fasting, is a profoundly important event to Muslims across Scotland and around the world.

“This is the second Eid to have taken place during the pandemic, which I know has been incredibly challenging. I want to thank community leaders and members for doing an amazing job keeping each other safe during this difficult period.

“I understand how disappointing it will be to have to restrict celebrations. However, everyone celebrating Eid must do so safely and in line with the necessary public health restrictions – unfortunately that means not visiting other people’s homes and maintaining a two-metre distance with those from outside your household at all times.

“The changes to lockdown restrictions I announced yesterday will be welcome to many, but they do not come into force until Monday, so everyone should continue to follow the Level 3 restrictions that still apply in all areas of Scotland until then. We know from public health data that travel from India, Pakistan, Turkey and Nepal is a particular risk, so everyone arriving from those countries must follow the red list rules.

“I know following these rules during such a significant event will be difficult, particularly when the overall picture with the virus is positive. However, cases are high and rising in Moray, and Glasgow is seeing an increase in cases too. By sticking to the Level 3 restrictions for just a few more days, we can all help to keep the virus under control and ensure Scotland stays on the path to recovery.

“I’d like to say a deep thank you to all of Scotland’s Muslim communities for everything you have done during the pandemic, and wish you an enjoyable Eid.”

The First Minister visited Glasgow Central Mosque on Wednesday 12 May alongside Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and Scottish Labour Leader and Glasgow MSP Anas Sarwar.

Mr Sarwar said: “Scottish Muslims have made sacrifices during Ramadan. But they have also made big sacrifices over the last year to get through this pandemic. 

“Like me, I know you are desperate to be reunited with your loved ones. But I would urge everyone to please follow the Covid rules closely in the coming days. 

“This is to keep you and your family safe and well. 

“There is hope and optimism again as the lockdown continues to ease. And if we follow the rules we will soon be able to see and hold our loved ones again safely. 

“I wish all Scottish Muslims a happy Eid, Eid Mubarak!”

Eid al-Adha 2017: Prime Minister’s message

Prime Minister Therea May sends her warmest wishes to Muslims around the world, and here in the United Kingdom, who are celebrating Eid al-Adha this week:

I send my warmest wishes to Muslims around the world, and here in the United Kingdom, who are celebrating Eid al-Adha this week. And I congratulate everyone who has performed the Hajj this year.

At this special time, British Muslims will gather together with family, friends and neighbours to pray, to exchange gifts and to share meals.

Amidst these celebrations, they will also remember those in need, by extending a hand of friendship and compassion to those less fortunate than themselves.

That generosity towards others is shown all year round by British Muslims, through charitable giving and service in the community.

Indeed, British Muslims, and people of Muslim origin, make a huge contribution to all walks of life in the United Kingdom. They help to enrich the successful multi-racial, multi-faith democracy that is twenty-first century Britain.

As we celebrate this happy occasion here in the United Kingdom, we will also keep in our thoughts and prayers those around the world who will be marking this festival in places of conflict and insecurity.

This festival’s commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice for his faith is a reminder of the shared roots of the world’s great Abrahamic faiths.

And in their warm spirit of neighbourliness and compassion, the Eid celebrations demonstrate common values in which we can all share.

So Eid Mubarak. I hope that this will be a wonderful occasion for everyone who is taking part.

 

Ministers send good wishes at Eid al-Fitr 2017

Senior Westminster politicians send Eid greetings to the UK’s 3 million Muslims

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I send my warmest good wishes to Muslims here in the United Kingdom, and right around the world, who are celebrating the festival of Eid al-Fitr.

For more than three million British Muslims, who make a huge and valued contribution to our national life, Eid is a truly special time.

Coming after the prayer and deep reflection of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid is a joyous occasion, to be celebrated with family and friends.

In the UK, we rightly take pride in being an open and diverse multi-ethnic and multi-faith democracy.

Over the last month, many British Muslims have shared with neighbours of all faiths and of none the holy practices of Ramadan – from doing charitable work to help in the local community, to coming together to break fast at the end of the day.

This spirit of fellowship and service lies at the heart of every great faith, and it is something around which we can all unite.

Sadly this month has also seen some dark and tragic events, including the truly appalling attack outside the Finsbury Park mosque.

It was the second terrorist attack on the streets of our capital city this month, and it was every bit as sickening as those which came before it.

Attacks like that seek to drive us apart, and our response to them must be to stand even closer together, united, to affirm that hatred and evil will never succeed.

So in that spirit of unity – and on behalf of the whole British people – let me wish you a happy a peaceful celebration.

Eid Mubarak.”

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also wished “Eid Mubarak” to all Muslims

“I wish a happy and peaceful Eid to all Muslims in the UK and across the world as they gather with their families to celebrate and mark the end of Ramadan. British Muslims make a vital contribution to all aspects of our society and have helped to shape the vibrant and successful democracy that we have in the UK today.

“Our shared values and belief in freedom and liberty across all religions is what makes the UK so special and it is more important than ever that we remember that in light of the recent tragedies our country has experienced.

“My thoughts are with those who, because of their circumstances, may be unable to celebrate Eid al-Fitr this year. We continue to work with our friends and partners for peace across the Muslim world, and in particular for an end to the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. To them we offer our thoughts and prayers.

“Eid Mubarak to all.”

Eid al-Fitr 2016: David Cameron’s message

“I want to send my very best wishes to Muslims at home and around the world celebrating Eid. Eid Mubarak.” – Prime Minister David Cameron.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark also wishes Muslims across the country a happy Eid.

Mr Clark said: “As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end I would like to wish Muslims across the country a happy Eid.

“In the last month, mosques have opened their doors and invited people of the Muslim faith, of other faiths and of none to attend iftars, to enjoy a fast-breaking meal and learn more about what Ramadan means.

“This is particularly important at a time when we must all look to come together to combat the prejudices that can blight our communities.

“So I want to take this opportunity to wish Eid Mubarak to everyone marking this special occasion.”

Eid Mubarak!

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has sent his best wishes to Muslims celebrating Eid al-Adha

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Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said: “I would like to send my best wishes to Muslims across the world who are celebrating Eid al-Adha, marking the end of Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.

“We remember all of those killed and injured in the terrible accident at the Grand Mosque and our thoughts are with their families at this time.

“As Muslims gather with their families I wish you a peaceful and joyous Eid al-Adha.

“Eid Mubarak.”

Advice from the Charity Commission on how to give safely during Eid-al-Adha

Eid-al-Adha is a time of very generous charitable giving. People have a right to feel confident that their generosity is not abused and that their donations are being used for legitimate charitable purposes.

https://youtu.be/_apevyHxpP8

As part of its campaign #changethepicture the commission has produced a video for encouraging people to check before they give. It illustrates how people can help make sure their generosity makes a real difference to those in need by giving to legitimate, registered charities.

Top 10 tips from the commission to make sure you give safely:

  1. Before giving, check the charity’s name and registration number against the online charity search tool: Find a charity – register of charities
  2. Fundraisers require a licence from the local authority (or the police in London) to collect in a public place. Check that they have this. If the collection is in a privately owned place, check that they have the owner’s permission.
  3. When approached by collectors, check whether they are wearing a proper ID badge and that any collection tin is sealed.
  4. If in doubt, ask the collector for more information – a genuine fundraiser should be happy to answer questions and explain more about the work of the charity.
  5. Genuine fundraising materials should feature the charity’s name, registered name and a landline contact number. Be wary of those that list only a mobile number.
  6. Make sure when you give to radio and television appeals that the process is secure. Ofcom lists the rules for radio and television charity appeals on its website: Licensing – Ofcom website.
  7. Take care when responding to emails or clicking links to a charity’s website to ensure that they are genuine. Instead, search online for your chosen charity to check you have the right web address. For further guidance see: Guidance for donors – Get Safe Online.
  8. Carefully review collection bags for clothing and household goods to ascertain whether they are from a genuine charity.
  9. After making these checks, if you think that a collection or appeal is not legitimate, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and inform the Charity Commission: Action Fraud – Police.
  10. Don’t be pressurised to give to a collection immediately. If in any doubt, donate directly to charity.

Change_the_pictureCity

Eid Mubarak

First Minister sends Eid Mubarak greetings

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Throughout 2015, as we celebrate our year of Food and Drink in Scotland, we are reminded again of the power of sharing food. Sharing a meal can strengthen our relationships with each other, it can give us an insight into a new culture, connect us to new people or help us to heal our divisions.

This Eid al-Fitr, Muslim communities across Scotland will join together to celebrate the end of Ramadan’s month of fasting. Many of the celebrations and feasts will be shared and enjoyed by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. We can be proud of our diversity and our unity reflected in these shared festivities.

In Scotland we know that we have vibrant and dynamic Muslim communities who play a valuable role in our society and strengthen our interfaith relations.

So to Scotland’s Muslim communities, I thank you for your on-going work within your communities and I wish you all a very enjoyable Eid.

Eid Mubarak.

The First Minister’s Eid Mubarak video message

Prime Minister sends warm wishes to Muslims for Eid

Cameron Eid2Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“I send my warmest wishes to Muslims in the UK and overseas as they celebrate the festival of Eid-al-Fitr. After a month of longer summer days fasting, praying and putting aside many of the things that we can take for granted, Muslims will come together with friends and family to celebrate this joyous occasion. I wish you all Eid Mubarak.”

The Prime Minister yesterday visited the Jamia Mosque in Manchester as Muslims in the UK prepare for Eid 2013. He met senior members of the mosque, as well as members of the local community who use it.

Mr Cameron wished ‘Eid Mubarak’ to them and the wider UK Muslim community, heard views on a range of issues and discussed the challenges and opportunities ahead.

It was also an opportunity to recognise the positive response by the overwhelming majority of the Muslim community to the tragic death of Drummer Lee Rigby.

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