Bradford's Muslim community on Eid-Ul-Fitr memories as Ramadan ends

Followers of Islam had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the crescent moon to mark the start of Eid-Ul-Fitr.

It follows the holy month of Ramadan, where Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset. 

For many, the Islamic holiday started on Friday (April 21) after the sight of the waxing moon appeared in Saudi Arabia.

Some Eid celebrations began on Saturday, due to differences in moon-sighting methods based on the Islamic calendar.

Followers of Islam across the world had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the crescent moon to mark the start of Eid-Ul-Fitr - here, worshippers gather for prayers at Green Lane Masjid in Birmingham (Image: PA)

Sharing a photo of her home cooked food and snacks, Khansa said Eid is a time for connection and community. 

Khansa said: “We look forward to Eid after the month of Ramadan. The atmosphere is lovely in the community, giving us all an opportunity to reconnect with relatives we have not seen in a while, friends and neighbours.

“The occasion puts time on a standstill for a few days. I enjoy being able to sit, talk and eat with my family without the usual drudgery of life rushing around.

“As a child, I really looked forward to Eid because grown ups showered us with money, gifts and sweets. As an adult, I love being that grown up who gifts children because it keeps the spirit of Eid alive and brings about the same excitement I had.”

On Eid ul-Fitr, Muslims must make an Eid prayer and give charity to the poor and needy before performing prayers.

Many people choose to visit the graves of relatives and friends.

Khansa's family comes together at her mother’s house for traditional Eid breakfast, chana puri (Image: UGC)

Khansa’s day starts by preparing dishes to take to her mother and mother in law - with this year’s recipes including chicken biryani, keema pastries, and a special salad. 

It is a juggling act as her two young children play by her side and try to help out. 

Her eldest child goes to prayers with his father and by late morning, the whole family comes together at her mother’s house for traditional Eid breakfast, chana puri.

The family then spend time at her in-laws’ house.

She added: “By evening I am back at my mother’s house to catch up with my seven siblings and numerous nephews and nieces. The catching up never stops.”

Describing what Eid-Ul-Fitr means to her, mum Shazia said: “Eid brings out all sorts of emotions.

“Tradition is reading the Eid namaaz, cooking a sweet dish, saying a prayer in the morning and giving money to the young‘uns called ‘Eidi’. 

A copy of the Quran (Image: Pixabay, Canva)

“Eid means reflecting on the end of Ramadan, realising how blessed we are and making memories.”

Shazia wakes up for Eid and showers before the grand task of cooking for loved ones commences.

She gives her children Eidi and presents, feeds everyone, and visits her father’s grave.

When the night falls, it’s time to head out for dessert.

• Read more like this: People of all faiths come together for first community Iftar in Haworth Road area

Your memories 

The power of memories made during Eid was reflected by other T&A readers. 

Rifat Khan said: “My best memories of Eid are waking up to the aroma of delicious home cooked food, the smell of my dad's favourite fragrance when he returned home from the Eid prayers. Receiving Eid gifts and money and running to the sweet shop with my siblings to spoil ourselves. Best days of my life.”

Linda J Bussey said: “Years ago, when I worked at the community dental clinic in Keighley, one of the nurses’ mum insisted we all went round for some food at Eid. So lovely of her and she made the most amazing biryani.”

Omar Aly said: “I remember waking up and getting dressed in fresh clothes and having a massive breakfast. Then going to my Grandma's house where the whole family would get together, exchange gifts, play games, all have a great time and more food, of course.”

Describing her memories, Taslim Akhtar said: “Mother's cooking and all [the] family being together, never been the same without mum again, but try to make it best as possible for my own kids now so they can tell their kids about memories of us.”

Farena Bashir said: “My favourite Eid memory was feeling butterflies in my stomach when my dad entered the house after Eid Namaz and greeted us all with that lovely phrase 'Eid mubarak', there is nothing quite like it.”