QUIET END TO HOLY MONTH

AS THE Islamic holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, families in Cornwall are preparing for the festival of Eid al-Fitr under lockdown.

This year, Cornwall’s 2,000 Muslims observed Ramadan a little differently as the usual communal month of prayer and fasting has had to be carried out in isolation.

Hasan, who runs Helston Grill, said: “Unfortunately, due to the circumstances we are in, we are advising our community members to stay at home and do their prayers and worship at home.

“We have to think about the safety of the members of our community as well as the people in Cornwall, and we have to protect the NHS during these times of tribulation.”

The religious holiday is usually celebrated with family gatherings, the exchange of gifts, feasts and prayers at mosques, but large gatherings are still prohibited.

Eid al-Fitr comes at the end of the month-long, dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan and is triggered by the sighting of the crescent Moon. It is expected to start this evening and lasts for 24 hours.

The Muslim Council of Britain has issued guidance.

It said that instead of marking the festival with congregational prayers in mosques and parks followed by parties amongst families and friends, Eid in the time of the coronavirus will look markedly different.

“Muslims are being encouraged to celebrate Eid in the same way as Ramadan: from home, and virtually with friends and family,” a spokesperson said.

“The special prayers for the day of Eid – usually prayed in mosques or in parks – may be prayed within households, with gifts exchanged by post, and the celebration to be shared virtually.”