Muslim key workers’ video plea for Eid

Muslim key workers in Newcastle have appeared in a video urging people to celebrate Eid at home and avoid social gatherings.

Key workers making an appeal

The video which has been produced by Newcastle City Council, features doctors, nurses, pharmacists, ambulance service, council staff and fire rescue service making an appeal to the public.

As Ramadan comes to an end, nearly two billion Muslims across the world will be preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which is expected to fall on 24^th May, subject to the sighting of the new moon.

It is traditionally celebrated with visits to family and friends, charity and gift giving, and special congregational prayers taking place in the morning.

But as large gatherings are prohibited and social distancing rules still in place, Eid is going to be very different this year.

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Watch the video featuring doctors, nurses, pharmacists, ambulance service, council staff and fire rescue service making an appeal to Muslims to stay at home and avoid social gatherings.

Stay at home and avoid social gatherings

Congregational prayers won’t be taking place as mosques and other places of worship remain closed. Mosques like Newcastle Central Mosque will instead live stream the morning sermon online

The video calls on people to follow the latest government advice which is:

Stay at home as much as possible
Limit contact with other people
Don’t visit other homes
Avoid social gatherings

Guidelines for Muslims celebrating Eid have been drawn up by the Muslim Council of Britain who says people should celebrate virtually.

Councillor Clare Penny-Evans, Cabinet member for Climate Change and Communities said “I’d like to send my best wishes to Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr this year, albeit in very different circumstances. We are in unprecedented times with this global pandemic.

“Thank you to all the frontline key workers taking part in the video and encouraging Muslims in Newcastle and in the UK to follow government advice to help save lives. I also thank them and all keyworkers for their bravery and selflessness during this pandemic.”

“The Muslim community have been very active and have ensured social distancing rules continue to be supported throughout Ramadan. The sacrifice they’re making for this Eid will hopefully bring a future of many more. Eid Mubarak.”

For more information visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/eid

Thank you to all the frontline key workers taking part in the video and encouraging Muslims in Newcastle and in the UK to follow government advice to help save lives.