Eid Mubarak!

19th March 2026

It’s been a tough month, as it always is as we follow Ramadan. That’s very much the nature of and at the heart of one of the five key pillars of Islam. As I talked about a few weeks ago, it is a period of self-reflection, self-discipline and sacrifice. As the month has progressed the days have become a little longer and, as a consequence, fast lengthens somewhat each day. To all of my Muslim colleagues and friends I wish you Eid Mubarak and once again, set out my admiration for your self-discipline.

And the wonderful thing about the end of Ramadan is that there’s an opportunity to share in celebration, as it’s now Eid al-Fitr. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with friends and family and share gifts. More importantly, Muslims will share food, time, stories and generosity. It is a time of year when families get together, wherever they are in the country, for a few hours of celebration. Some of our children and young people will be off with their Eid money down to Meadowhall, in the coming days, and taking the opportunity to buy something special, just for them. Wonderful!

In amongst all of the celebrations there will be thoughts turning to the sacred duty of Zakat. Although Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, requires Muslims with wealth to donate 2.5% of their accumulated assets annually to charity and community support. At the end of Ramadan, especially, when we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Muslims will be reflecting upon their secret duty to offer alms and give charity. This sacred pillar within the faith reminds all of us that there are people who are less fortunate than ourselves and whatever circumstances we are in, whatever our lives are like, we can and should give, however small and by whatever means.

As I have it before, there is so much that is similar in the key teachings of our global faiths. At the heart of almost all of our major religions is a belief in self-discipline, generosity, family and community and willingness to give something to others less fortunate than ourselves. At this time in our history, it’s not a bad thing to remind ourselves of that and that more binds us together and separates us.

Eid Mubarak!

Whatever you are doing this weekend, however you are celebrating., I hope that you enjoy.