Prime Minister and Conservative Leader Boris Jonson shares his Eid message to UK Muslims, remembering NHS worker nurse Areema Nasreen who lost her lost her life to corona virus he said: “As Ramadan comes to a close; I want to say two things to all our Muslim friends and neighbours, here in the UK and around the world. A heartfelt “Eid Mubarak”, of course. But also a very big “thank you.”
Because over these difficult past few weeks Britain’s Muslims have gone above and beyond in doing their bit to keep this country going. For many that has been achieved by staying at home, saving lives by sacrificing time with your loved ones even when I know you ached to be at the mosque or breaking your fast with friends and family.
Across the country, we’ve also seen countless Muslims stepping up to help take care of their local communities, or hard at work in vital sectors from schools to transport to retail. Rarely has the Islamic commandment to provide charity to those in need been better displayed.
And of course, there are the many heroes of Muslim faith serving on the frontline as part of our fantastic National Health Service. Brave men and women who, in the best traditions of Islam, are selflessly giving of themselves to help those in need – with some, including the remarkable young hospital housekeeper, turned newly qualified nurse Areema Nasreen, tragically losing their lives as a result. It has been a holy month quite unlike any this country – or the worldwide Ummah – has ever known.
But if we keep going, if we stay alert even as restrictions begin to ease, we will control this virus and we will save lives.
And as that happens I am sure we will all see, once again, the incredible contribution that Muslims make to life in this country – something that, even in these challenging times, is always something we should celebrate.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has shared his Eid-al Fitr message, he highlighted the effect coronavirus has had especially on BAME communities saying:
“To everyone celebrating Eid-al Fitr here in the UK – Eid Mubarak on behalf of the Labour Party.
I know this Ramadan has been especially tough for Muslim communities. Families have not been able to see each other; people unable to break fast together, or even go to the mosque for prayers. Yet, I have witnessed incredible resilience. Muslim communities and charities coming together to deliver iftar meals to our frontline NHS staff and doctors. People providing to foodbanks to help the vulnerable and significant donations to many charitable causes.
And, I know Eid is one of those joyous occasions were communities all come together to celebrate. Still, as ever, our number one priority remains to keep all of our loved ones and communities safe. As the stark figures show, Covid-19 has disproportionately affected BAME communities, and we will work together to address these issues of health inequality and social injustices. To these ends, I have entrusted Baroness Doreen Lawrence to lead a review into the impact of coronavirus on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.I want to personally thank everyone that is continuing to help keep us safe, and there is no doubt we will come out stronger together when this crisis ends.
I wish you all a pleasant and enjoyable Eid.
Eid Mubarak.”
Sir Ed Davey, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrat’s share his message and like the labour leader touch in the effects coronavirus has had on the BAME community, saying: “I would like to send warm wishes to Muslims at home in the UK and around the world celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
I’m sure that this Ramadan must have felt unusual and I know that observing a socially distanced Eid will not be easy either.
This year, I joined MPs and party members in fasting for one day of Ramadan and this culminated in a Liberal Democrats Iftar – the first for our party. The fast was challenging at times, but I’m so proud that we were able to do this one small act as a symbol of our solidarity with British Muslims at this time.
I want to thank the doctors and nurses who have sacrificed their lives in the battle against Covid-19. We will always remember them, and we must never forget that many of them were British Muslims.
A thorough investigation into why BAME communities have been disproportionately impacted by this virus is needed now more than ever.
Of course, Eid is known as “the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast”, and it’s usually a time to come together with loved ones to enjoy festive meals and share gifts but instead, during these challenging times, people will remain isolated in their homes, going out only for essential food and brief periods of exercise.
Though this will be tough, I’m sure that the sacrifices we all make now will reduce the impact of this virus.
So to everyone celebrating Eid, I wish you joy and peace.
Eid Mubarak!”
