First Eid in UK without Covid restrictions will be ‘monumental’, says British imam

One of Britain’s leading imams has said Eid celebrations will be “monumental” this year as Muslims enjoy the first holiday without Covid-19 restrictions since the pandemic began.

Qari Asim, chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, said many traditions which were “sorely missed” for two years will at last return.

Muslims will be now able to embrace one another after Eid prayers, get together for large gatherings, and give gifts to loved ones after two years of muted celebrations due to coronavirus.

Imam Asim said it was “excruciatingly painful” to observe Eid last year without the usual festivities as the major relaxation of Covid restrictions was just a few days away.

But he said that, after an “extremely challenging” two years, mosques are now expected to be “flooded with people” as festivities get under way at full capacity.

“Eid is a jubilant occasion, where Muslims come together to celebrate, worship as a community and feast together with family and friends,” he said, speaking ahead of 2022’s celebrations.

“There will be monumental celebrations on the joyous occasion of Eid this year. Everyone is in high spirits and full of joy as this is the first time in two years that we can come together free of all Covid restrictions.

“Mosques all over the country are expected to be flooded with people. We are excited to partake in the communal Eid prayer, standing together shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Islam without a face mask or other distancing measures in place.

“It is traditional to hug each other after the Eid prayer, an expression of love that was sorely missed during Eids under restrictions.”

“It is a relief to have such a magnificent celebration return to some normality after such a long time… The past few years have been extremely challenging with the pandemic and various restrictions, so we are really looking forward to holding our family and friends in our arms and saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ – ‘blessed Eid’,” he said.

'Eid in the Square 2022' celebrations will be taking place in Trafalgar Square in London on May 7. Getty Images
The London Eid Festival will take place at Westfield in Shepherds Bush, London, on May 7 and 8. Getty Images
Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre will host Eid prayers and celebrations at Edgbaston cricket stadium in Birmingham on either May 1 or 2. Photo: Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre / Twitter
On May 2 the crescent moon will be visible in the sky over the city and the London Eye will amplify the sighting. The Eye will light up at 7.25pm, displaying the crescent at exactly the time it emerges in London. Getty Images
'A Welcome To Shawwal & Eid' celebrations will be held at the Northala Fields View Point in London on May 1. Getty Images
The Eid Comedy Jam will be hosted at the Library at Willesden Green, above, on Sunday evening. There will also be a Comedy Jam in Manchester at the Pakistani Community Centre. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The 1 Eid Festival will be taking place in Ilford, East London, on the weekend beginning April 30. Photo: 1Eid Festival/Facebook
Manchester will host a number of Eid celebrations, with 'Eid in the Park Manchester' at Platt Fields Park, on both May 1 and May 2. Getty Images

Mustafa Field, director of Faiths Forum for London, a leading interfaith charity, said events have been planned in parks, community halls and even shopping centres, with Westfield Stratford, a mall in the capital, organising a food court for the occasion.

“It was really difficult for people not to embrace each other, especially when you meet friends and loved ones. It’s not the same without being able to sit together and have a laugh, sharing good food and embracing each other, carrying different kids and gifting – it’s a really festive period.”

First Eid in UK without Covid restrictions will be ‘monumental’, says British imam

British Muslims will be able to mark this year’s festival with families and loved ones in a more traditional way