Eid Greetings from Rochdale Council of Mosques

Eid Greetings from the Rochdale Council of Mosques

On behalf of the Rochdale Council of Mosques, I would like to wish everyone marking the arrival of Eid ul Fitr at the end of the blessed month of Ramadhan a joyous Eid with their families and loved ones.

After spending a month fasting and much reflection, we have been blessed with such an opportunity to renew our sense of purpose, and re-evaluate our values of gratitude and giving.

My colleagues and I have attended many iftar events at our mosques and those in the community. Many of you will have also attended the one we hosted at Central Mosque which saw over 1,000 people turn up.

It has been truly remarkable to witness these community gatherings, bringing in people of different faiths and none, and sharing the breaking of the fast together. This is what community spirit is all about.

As we end our fast, let us take a moment to remember the innocent lives tragically taken away in conflicts and heinous attacks throughout the last year.

Our prayers and pursuit for justice for the victims will always continue, and they will forever remain in our hearts. This year we have seen heightened security concerns, ever since the New Zealand terrorist attack mosques and Muslim worshippers have sadly experienced Islamophobic abuse or have feared possible attacks, however, it is pleasing to see communities coming together and with the help of many agencies all our places of worship are safe and worshippers can fulfil their religious obligations without having to think about safety and security.

Rochdale has had no major issues and that’s a credit to the people of this borough.

I would like to thank Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale Borough Council for working with mosques and offer the reassurance during the month and beyond. I would like to make a special mention to the volunteers and stewards offering security and giving people the peace of mind.

I would like to also commend all our member mosques for their tireless community efforts, whether that was through organising iftars, community events, collecting for foodbanks, feeding the homeless, and even fundraising – where each year thousands are raised to help those most in need.

May you all enjoy and celebrate the day with loved ones, and may it be filled with peace and blessings.

Eid Mubarak.

Tahir Mahmood Chairperson, Rochdale Council of Mosques (RCM)