Tag: Islam

Celebrate Eid al-Adha: Prayer in the Park at Inverleith tomorrow

Speaking on the eve of this weekend’s Eid Al Adha celebrations in Edinburgh. Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury said: “It will be an honour to attend once again “Eid Al-Adha Pray in the Park” event at Inverleith Park on 9th July, which will start with a prayer at 9.30am. The event is organised by the Adha Trust in Edinburgh and is supported by Edinburgh Mosques.

“Last year’s celebration saw more than 2,000 people attending and this year, organisers are expecting 10,000 people to attend – if the weather holds up!

“Eid Al-Adha or the “Feast of Sacrifice” is a four-day celebration, which will be celebrated this year in the UK from 9th till 13th July according to moon sightings. This Muslim holiday also marks the end of the yearly Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

“It is the biggest Muslim holiday, which is celebrated every year with  friends, family and neighbours by Muslims across the world, with the symbolic sacrifice of a lamb that is divided in three to be shared with loves ones and the needy.

“I would like to offer my good wishes to the Muslim communities in the Lothians and across Scotland and the UK. It is special time where we can again celebrate Eid Al-Adha with our friends and family in person again and I hope Muslims worldwide will be able celebrate in peace and safety particularly during these challenging times.

“I find that these religious festivals are a great way for communities to get together, allowing us to share our cultures and traditions so we can better understand our differences and celebrate them to foster more tolerance in our society as well as enriching our daily lives.

“I have also submitted Motion S6M-05178 for Eid Al-Adha 2022, which has already gained great cross-party support.

“Eid Mubarak!”

Why we can all learn from Ramadan

Ramadan is here, but how much do those of other faiths, or none, know about this important religious festival? 

Former primary school teacher Catherine Lynch of education resource experts PlanBee takes a closer look at why and how Muslims celebrate Ramadan and considers what the whole family can learn from its customs and rituals

A Pillar of Islam

Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and lasts 29 to 30 days. The Islamic calendar is based on the cycle of the moon so its dates change every year. This year, Ramadan will begin on the evening of Monday 12th April when the new moon first appears in the sky and end on Tuesday 11th May, the night of the waning crescent moon.

No food or drink

During Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat or during the hours of daylight. Children don’t usually fast until they are 14 years old. Some Muslims don’t have to fast, including, pregnant women, elderly people, those who are unwell and people travelling.

Muslims try to spend time with their family during Ramadan. They also try to help people in need, give up bad habits and devote time to prayer. Many Muslims try to read the whole of the Qur’an during Ramadan.

Which meals are eaten during Ramadan?

The meal Muslims have before the sun rises is called Suhoor, meaning ‘of the dawn’. Iftar, meaning ‘break of a fast’ is the evening meal eaten after sunset

What is Qadr Night?

Laylat al-Qadr is the night Muslims believe the Qur’an was sent down from Heaven to the world and revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Laylat al-Qadr is thought to have happened between the 23rd and 27th night of Ramadan.

What happens at the end of Ramadan?

The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a big celebration called ‘Eid ul-Fitr’. Muslims dress in their finest clothes, give gifts to children, spend time with their friends and family and give money to charity.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

The Five Pillars of Islam are acts that are important in Muslim life:

The first is Shahadah, the declaration that Allah is the only God.

The is Salat, the five prayers Muslims say every day

The third is Zakat, meaning to be charitable and give to those in need.

The fourth is Sawm, the month-long fast Muslims do during Ramadan.

The is Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Easy Ramadan crafting

Make moon–sighting binoculars with your children

  • Get two toilet rolls and stick them together to make binoculars.
  • Decorate the toilet rolls to look like the night sky.
  • Attach string to the binoculars.

Want to find out more about Islam?

PlanBee have loads of downloadable ready-to-teach Islam RE lessons for primary school children. They also have this free Beautiful Names of Allah word search.

Travel and health advice for Hajj pilgrims

With thousands of British Muslims expected to attend this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is urging those travelling to Saudi Arabia to be fully prepared and follow up-to-date travel advice before departing.

To help inform pilgrims of the travel preparations they can make and the support the FCO can provide, our consular team in Saudi Arabia will be holding a Q&A session on Twitter at 12.00 to 13.00 UK time on 3 September.

Travellers can get involved by following @UKinSaudiArabia and sending questions using #HajiUK.

Mohammed Shokat, HM Consul-General in Jeddah, said: “Every year thousands of British Muslims undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. Most complete this spiritual journey without experiencing any difficulties or disruption, but as with all overseas travel we recommend taking sensible precautions and planning thoroughly before departing.

“We advise all British pilgrims to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice and the requirements set out by the Saudi government.

“We will once again be providing consular assistance and advice as necessary to British pilgrims. Consular staff can be contacted on a 24-hour helpline in the case of emergencies on 00 966 501 00 4268.”

In addition to the requirements from the Saudi government, the FCO recommends that all pilgrims use the following checklist to help plan their trip:

  • Keep up-to-date with the FCO travel advice for Saudi Arabia
  • Travel with a reputable tour operator – book your tickets through an ATOL registered tour operator to avoid unnecessary difficulties; for more information visit ATOL. Have contact details for your tour operator in the UK and their representatives in Makkah
  • Get comprehensive travel insurance and ensure it covers all aspects of your journey
  • Check the health requirements and take precautionary steps as necessary, such as vaccinations; for further information visit Travel Health Pro. If you require medication check that you have adequate quantities
  • Check your passport and visas are valid – do you need a visa, or to renew an existing one?
  • Take copies of your passport and travel documents. Take a copy of your passport with you and store it online using a secure storage site, and leave copies with family and friends, along with your itinerary and contact details
  • Research the local laws and customs – more information can be found in the FCO travel advice for Saudi Arabia
  • Pack suitable footwear as you may have to walk long distances, and make sure you have all the necessary clothing and items as advised by your Hajj tour operator
  • Consular staff can be contacted on a 24-hour helpline in the case of emergencies during the Hajj, on: 00 966 501 00 4268

 

Tonight: Unite4Ramadan

TONIGHT: North Edinburgh Arts 8.15pm. All welcome

Transport available

For further info email beyondtheveil@hotmail.co.uk

Just a wee reminder that Beyond the Veil women’s group and the Edinburgh Inter Faith Association are hosting a #unite4ramadan event in North Edinburgh Arts tonight at 8 pm. The organisers hope the event will help to create a better understanding of the peaceful message of Islam.

It will be a very informal session with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, have a chat and eat together. The event is free but registration is essential. Please email beyondtheveil@hotmail.co.uk or call 0771 728 3331.

A minibus has been organised to get people there and back home after the event. Please call Lynn at Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre on 552 5700 to book a seat on the bus.

 

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.

Cameron Eid1