UK: Eid al-Fitr messages from Political leaders
London, (The Muslim News):
Exclusive: Eid al-Fitr messages from UK Political leaders:
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, Leader of Labour Party
I would like to wish Muslims in the UK and around the world Eid Mubarak.
Like last year, I know this Ramadan has been different and you haven’t been able to gather in person. This will be particularly difficult at Eid, especially for those who are separated from family and friends. But there is now light at the end of the tunnel and I want to thank Muslim communities who have contributed so much in the fight against Covid.
I would like to say a huge thank you to Muslim key workers who have worked tirelessly over the last year.
And thank you to the countless volunteers and community leaders in Mosques and community centres across the country. You have given up your time and opened your doors supporting the delivery of the vaccine and looking out for the most vulnerable.
Your efforts have saved lives and kept the country going.
Although we have not been able to meet in person throughout Ramadan, I have joined online iftars and experienced the close bonds that have brought the community together. Islam teaches us about the importance of looking after one another, working towards a common purpose and striving for justice and equality. I know these values have inspired you over the last year. They inspire me.
So on behalf of the Labour Party, I want to take this opportunity to wish all Muslim communities Eid Mubarak.
Rt Hon Sir Ed Davey MP, Lib Dem Leader
I want to send warm wishes to Muslims in the UK and around the world celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
There’s no denying this past year has been immensely tough for everyone. But as we start to look forward — and dare to hope the worst of this pandemic has passed — there’s one positive that has shone through these dark times.
It’s the power of community. And Muslims across the country have exemplified this amazing community spirit.
Like the heroic NHS and frontline workers who have risked their lives to keep us safe. Or the 100 grassroots Muslim community support groups who have pulled together and helped those in need, without fanfare. And the mosques who have brought their services online — helping many overcome difficult feelings of isolation or disconnection.
As we emerge from this terrible pandemic, I truly hope we can keep this incredible community spirit alive.
So to everyone celebrating Eid I wish you joy and peace. Eid Mubarak!
Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Leader, Scottish National Party
As-salaam Alaikum
On Eid al-Fitr, I want to send my very best wishes to Muslims here in Scotland and around the world.
Eid is a time for celebration and for friends and family. And I recognise that this year — like last — it will be different and difficult for so many due to Covid-19.
Even though you may not be able to celebrate it as you normally would, I hope that relaxations around congregational prayer and outdoor meetings will provide some relief and source of celebration.
The sacrifices made by the Muslim community have been difficult, but they have also been very necessary, and here in Scotland, they have helped us to make major progress in reducing COVID-19.
The Muslim community has played a key role in enabling Scotland to lift lockdown restrictions by opening up places of worship for COVID testing and to assist in the rollout of the vaccine. For that, I am extremely grateful.
On this holy festival, I want to thank all of you for helping Scotland during this crisis. I hope you and your loved ones continue to stay safe. And I hope that you all have a very happy and joyful Eid al-Fitr.
Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS,First Minister of Wales
This year, once again, Ramadan has been observed in the long shadow cast by the pandemic in Wales.
Normal traditions, religious practices and gatherings of family and friends at the break of the daily fast have been affected by the restrictions, which continue to be needed to control the spread of this awful virus.
A virus, which has affected so many of our communities over the last year.
Ramadan has been a time of reflection and also a time to look forward to the future with hope. And we can all look forward with hope and confidence for better times ahead.
I want to thank all our Muslim communities across Wales for their support over the last year and the way in which they have embraced the vaccination programme.
I had the privilege of visiting a vaccination clinic organised by Muslim Doctors Cymru at the Jalalia Mosque, in Cardiff, which has run every Sunday during Ramadan. It is clinics like these, which are helping to protect communities and help move us forward into the brighter future ahead.
We are also working with the Muslim Council of Wales to ensure that Eid prayers can be celebrated in an event in Cardiff. Keeping everyone safe continues to be our main priority but there is also an opportunity for the community to celebrate Eid al-Fitr together.
I look forward to the time when we can all celebrate together once again. Until then, Eid Mubarak.
Rt Hon Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
I would like to wish a blessed Eid to all Muslims in London, the UK and around the world, as we celebrate this occasion.
The last year has seen us face exceptional challenges, and my thoughts remain with all who have lost loved ones throughout this time.
The long fasts have been incredibly tough and as they draw to a close, for the second year in a row our communities are not able to come together as we normally would. Rather than celebrating Eid in Trafalgar Square, connecting in larger numbers in mosques across our city or embracing family and friends, we must once again continue to play our part in stopping the spread of Covid-19.
I know how disappointing it has been having to adapt again this Ramadan, but as lockdown gradually eases, like many other Muslims in the UK I now look forward to celebrating Eid in person as fully as the restrictions allow.
So, whether you are enjoying a picnic in the park, hosting a gathering in your garden or celebrating within a bubble, I urge everyone to continue to follow the rules that are in place to protect our loved ones and the wider community.
And as the roll-out of the vaccination programme continues my message is simple, when you are invited to receive the jab, please say yes. I have had both doses and can testify – it is safe, it is halal and gives us a great deal of hope for the future.
The Muslim community has shown enormous strength and courage over the last year, with mosques in London and across the country going to incredible lengths to support those in need and whole communities coming together in extraordinary acts of kindness.
I want to thank Muslims across London for the sacrifices they have made during this time, it brings me great joy that we are beginning to be able to come together to celebrate once again.
From my family to yours, Eid Mubarak.
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