Published Thursday 21 May 2020 at 12:45
Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, has shared a message of hope ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Muslim festival which follows the holy month of Ramadan will take place on Sunday 24 or Monday 25 May.
Usually a time for family gatherings and congregational prayers, this year’s Eid will be very different due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
In the video message, recorded remotely with Council Communications Manager Charlotte Bradshaw, Councillor Khan reflects on the celebrations.
Councillor Khan said:
It’s going to be very difficult on Eid day. We would usually have a celebration where all the family get together, visiting each other’s homes to eat together and give gifts.
Unfortunately, this year is very, very different – but we need to keep up what we have been doing to make sure we are safe.
I will be sitting in my home, enjoying my food. It’s going to be something different we have never experienced before, but we have to manage it.
Sharing how he has been keeping in touch with his family during Ramadan in lockdown, Councillor Khan added:
New technology really helps. You can see the person’s picture, you can see what they are doing, they can show you what they are cooking. I think this is really good and will keep us connected with family wherever they are.
Councillor Khan ends his Eid video with a plea to everyone in Blackburn with Darwen. He said:
I think this time is very difficult, but please keep going. We have to make sure we are keeping the distance, we are staying home, we are protecting each other.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel and sooner or later we will be able to come out of it.
Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating.
Muslim families across the borough will celebrate Eid on Saturday 23, Sunday 24 or Monday 25 May, depending on which mosque they follow.