Eid al-Adha is usually a huge celebration but this year things are set to be a lot more subdued than usual in Bury.
The festival, the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year along with Eid al-Fitr, starts this evening (July 30) and runs through until Monday night (August 3).
It is traditionally a time for Muslims to visit loved ones to share food and catch up with family and friends but due to the ongoing pandemic, community and council leaders are asking people to exercise caution in order to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
While mosques have reopened, social distancing restrictions mean that fewer people can attend than normally would.
Councillor Tamoor Tariq, deputy leader of Bury Council, said: “It’s been good to be able to return to the mosque for prayers and worship and I thank our local mosques for the work they have done to keep everyone safe.
“We celebrated Eid al-Fitr in the lockdown at home and now we will celebrate Eid al-Adha in a time when we must all continue to be so careful to prevent the spread of infection and a spike in cases.
“It’s particularly important because we all know that people of black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to be badly affected by Covid.
“We must keep 2 metres apart and not greet each other as we normally would, with hugs and handshakes.
“These things are hard to do but they are what we must do to protect ourselves, our families and our loved ones.”
Bury Council has released the following list of guidelines for Muslims in the borough to follow during this weekend's festivities:
- by staying at home and celebrating with their own household
- you are allowed to have one other household join you, but please consider limiting the numbers who visit to avoid larger groups
- if you do go to the mosque, ensure follow their social distancing and hygiene guidance, and make sure you sign in and out
- ensure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water or a hand sanitiser before and after going to the mosque
- keep 2m apart from people not in your household, and don’t shake hands or hug other people
Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, added: “Everyone in Bury has made great sacrifices over recent months to bring the rate of infection from Covid-19 under control.
“The Muslim community in Bury has played its part in that success and it’s so important now that we continue to work together to keep infection rates low.
“I know it’s difficult at times of celebration, but the virus is still with us and we must continue to do all we can to prevent infection.
“I want to thank the Muslim community for the contribution they have made and to wish you all Eid Mubarak!”
