MUSLIMS in Bradford are preparing for Ramadan this weekend, with one local figure adding that there is “extra reason to celebrate” this time around.

Dr Javed Bashir is “excited” that the district’s Muslim community will be able to gather in person for iftar (the meal where people end their fasts) after the previous two Ramadans were disrupted by lockdown.

Dr Bashir, who works as a safeguarding consultant, said “this time, Covid-19 will not hamper our celebrations”.

Dr Bashir also encouraged more “kindness and compassion” in the wake of the situations in places like Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen and Kashmir.

“This Ramadan, many refugees, including Ukrainians, Afghans, Syrians and the Rohingya people, find themselves having to adjust to a new reality”, he said.

“They may be stranded far from home or separated from loved ones.

“There is much that can be learned from the experiences of refugees, for whom this has been the norm for years or even decades.

“Apart from abstaining from food and drink, the purpose of Ramadan is to go above and beyond – to bond with others and to support the less fortunate.

“The pandemic has brought great hardship to many, but it has also spurred acts of kindness and seen many of us reconsider what is important in our lives.

“Giving to the less fortunate is another key part of Ramadan. One of the pillars of Islam is zakat, an obligation to give 2.5 per cent of your disposal income to charity.

“Many Muslims choose to give zakat during Ramadan - British Muslims give over £100million to charity during Ramadan alone.”

Dr Bashir also called for people to “build stronger relations” with others, inviting both Muslims and non-Muslims into homes and mosques.

“Doors must be open, friendships must be rekindled and family ties must be rejuvenated”, he said.

“Ramadan can also be an opportunity to change the negative perceptions around Islam and Muslims by sharing the goodness of this month with those around us.

“When people from different faiths and backgrounds get together to share, that’s the best way to break barriers."

Although Dr Bashir is pleased that Muslims will be able to celebrate Ramadan more freely this year, he said people should still “act responsibly”.

“I would urge people to protect each other and ensure the safety of our communities”, he said.

“Islamic scholars strongly recommend people get vaccinated and continue to observe public health and social measures.

“I wish everyone well and may we have a blessed Ramadan.”