IMAMS from across Bradford have urged the district’s Muslim community to “not get complacent” and to be mindful of Covid-19 rules ahead of Eid celebrations this week.

With lockdown restrictions easing - and Eid being observed this week, marking the end of Ramadan - imams have said that, although this is “a time for celebration and happiness”, people should still “protect themselves, each other and wider society” by sticking to the rules.

When Eid is celebrated depends on a sighting of the moon, with this year’s festival expected to fall on either Thursday or Friday, according to some sources.

It will come just days before Step 3 of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown - from 17 May - with indoor hospitality, six people or two households being able to meet indoors and being able to hug one another set to be allowed again.

But despite the future looking brighter, Imam Hamzah Hassan, Director of Al-Manaar Institute on Otley Road, has encouraged people to still act “within the law of the land” this Eid.

“Eid is a time of celebration and happiness, but we have a duty to protect ourselves, each other and wider society”, he said.

“Adhering to social distancing and abstaining from physical contact is very important. When we go to mosque for Eid prayers, we should keep our distance, wear a mask and use hand sanitiser.

“We must follow whatever the guidelines say, as they are for our benefit. We can meet in outdoor spaces, but we should try to stay at home and celebrate with our own household.”

Imam Hamzah added that it is “even more important” for ethnic minorities to be vigilant this Eid, as “a lot of the research” suggests that some ethnic groups are more prone to the virus.

“As our communities are at a greater risk, we should avoid the practices we would normally observe on Eid, unless we are in a support bubble or have a legal exemption”, he said.

“If anybody does have symptoms of Covid-19, they should take a test and self-isolate immediately. Also, the vaccine has been approved by Islamic authorities and I would encourage people to take it.

“Mosques up and down the country have played a pivotal role in the fight against Covid, and our community is still playing a significant role in protecting society - we must keep that up.”

Mohammed Zubair, an imam and madrassa teacher, added: “This Eid won’t be like last year’s, there is a lot more freedom - by all means celebrate, but be careful.

“After Eid prayers, there should be no congregating or socialising, the less we have people milling around in groups, the better.

“In the Asian community especially, a lot of us will know at least a few people who have had Covid. We are slightly more at risk than other groups, so we have to be wary. We must be vigilant, wear masks and follow rules.”

Mufti Muhammad Khurshid Alam, Chief Imam at Keighley Markazi Jamia Mosque, also said: “I advise people to cover their faces, keep their distance and be responsible citizens this Eid. People should avoid big gatherings and keep the rules and guidelines in their minds at all times.”

Dr Javed Bashir, Safeguarding Consultant with Strengthening Faith Institutions, who has helped to carry out Covid-risk assessments at mosques across Bradford, added: “People of black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are at a greater risk, according to research, so this Eid, we must avoid visiting people we do not live with, unless we are in a support bubble with them or another legal exemption applies.

“People can meet friends and relatives who they do not live with in a group of six from any number of households, or in a group of any size from up to two households outdoors.

"Either way, we must stick to the guidelines - I hope everyone has a blessed Eid and stays safe.”