Hawzah News Agency - (Leicester - UK) - As Eid al Adha is around the corner, Leicester City Council and community leaders share a message about celebrating safely.
Eid al Adha is the second Eid in the Islamic calendar and known as the Festival of Sacrifice - it is considered the holiest of the two festivals.
This year the religious festival falls between July 30 and August 3.
Earlier this year, Muslims in Leicester and across the UK reinvented ways to spend the holy month and Eid al Fitr celebrations at home.
Once again, Eid will be celebrated under challenging circumstances due to the local lockdown that was implemented after a spike in Covid-19 cases in June.
While the local lockdown is set to be reviewed by Saturday, August 1, people are being urged to continue to follow the rules.
Eid is normally observed by congregational prayer in mosques or parks it is also a time when families share meals and socialise.
The Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) has urged all those celebrating to observe social distancing and try to remain in their family bubble as per government rules.
Suleman Nagdi, the spokesperson for the FMO said, “We are taught by our faith that, we should be particularly careful to protect all of humanity.
“A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand people are safe, and the believer is the one who is trusted with the lives and wealth of all people.”
FMO’s affiliate, the Muslim Burial Council of Leicester (MBCOL) has advised people to avoid visiting cemeteries if possible during Eid as they are likely to be busy.
Similarly to measures in place during Eid al Fitr earlier this year, marshals and volunteers will be assisting at cemeteries to ensure social distancing is implemented.
The second Eid festival of the year which is usually held in Victoria Park was cancelled ahead of Eid al Adha.
On the Scene events in Leicestershire, which hosts the Eid festival is considering health and safety measures for upcoming Eid festivals in 2021.
Eid is one of the many religious occasions that have been celebrated under the restrictions of lockdown. Others include Vaisakhi, celebrated by Sikhs, Easter, celebrated by Christians, and Passover, celebrated by the Jewish community.