Luton’s Eid celebrations returned with a big bash in Lewsey Park after a gap of two years in the Covid lockdowns. The key event organiser Inspire FM Operations Manager Mohammad Tariq said, “It was an affordable, accessible and inclusive festival. We are grateful to many community volunteers for their help and support, and to the Luton Sixth Form College and Barnfield College for being our chief event partners this year.”
The festival attended by thousands is the largest Eid festival in the region.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the dawn-to-sunset fasting month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad received the teachings of the Quran, the Islamic holy book. During Ramadan, at numerous Iftar (communal fast-breaking) gatherings in Luton, Muslims and Mosques invited neighbours and friends to join in sharing the fast-breaking meal.
Nationally, UK’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also hosted an Iftar gathering, at which he said, “In addition to the climate crisis, the refugee crisis and ever-deepening global, political and social polarisation, we must now prepare to contend with the aftermath of a pandemic, which has created extreme economic disadvantage, significant mental health challenges and yet further political and social upheaval.”
He said, “Jews-Christians-Muslims are from the same family and occasions such as tonight’s Iftar gathering are important to reinforce our relationship with one another. Together, we can adapt and respond to the emerging landscape, which is full of challenges. Every one of us can help by giving of ourselves to the community in some way.”
Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims donate to charities and contribute to the community’s well-being.
Luton’s Discover Islam Centre, since it started in 2011, has initiated and supported various projects of community care and well-being. In the last month alone it has served thousands of hot meals and provided support to the most vulnerable in our community, including refugees.
Long live the generous spirit of Ramadan and Eid Mubarak to all Muslim friends.
