Fun-filled festival comes with a serious message
IT'S easy to forget that a large proportion of the local population won't be buying turkey and tucking into Christmas pudding.
But within the Muslim faith, the largest ethnic population in the city, Eid ul Fitr is just as important, and like Christmas, is a time for family and friends, good food, forgiveness and charity.
The festival marks an end to the holy month of Ramadan, which involves fasting during daylight hours as a mark of self-control.
With so much of the activity centred on the home, women are key to its success.
"Eid means happiness," says 68-year-old Jamila, who used to present Radio Stoke's Asian Connection programme and who lives at Lansdowne Crescent, Werrington, with her husband Dr Mohammed Fakhrul Azam, aged 73.
"Ramadan is a month of reflection and character building where we fast from sunrise to sunset in order to realise what people go through who haven't got food or clean water," she adds."
Ramadan is compulsory for all healthy Muslims aged 13 or over, but during the Eid Festival everyone can get involved.
"This is a time to be with your friends and family and is something we really look forward to," explains Alvira, aged 40, who lives at Naples Drive in the Westlands with her husband Mohammed Ayub Khan, a 46-year-old surgeon, their four sons and daughter Aliza, aged 14.
"I don't have any sisters, so I get a lot of pleasure out of being with my daughter during this time," she adds.
Eid begins with morning prayer and continues throughout the day, with presents being passed between friends and family while food is prepared to share with endless visitors.
"First we go to our Eid prayers and then return to say Eid Mubarak to everyone, which is like Happy Christmas," says Jamila.
"And then we visit our friends and family," she continues.
"Everywhere you go there is a table laid out with dishes to taste. Although the women normally cook, there isn't a set pattern. Men can and do get involved, but women are better."
From brand new clothes to wonderful house decorations, it seems nothing is overlooked during Eid. But while many non-Muslims see it as a big celebration, Alvira is keen to point out the underlying message of helping others less fortunate.
"Each year we give a fixed amount of money from our salary to people less fortunate," she says.
"And on Eid itself, we give more money to others to make their lives a little easier."
In a similar way to Christmas, families who celebrate Eid have fun getting together, and according to Alvira, it's a particularly exciting time for children.
"It's a whole family effort, especially the decorations, because the children love to put up balloons and make the house look nice."
Stoke Hospital Mosque is organising an Eid event on Friday October 17 with guest speaker, award-winning journalist Yvonne Ridley.
Everyone is welcome and tickets must be bought in advance by calling either 01782 844168 or 07948 819635.
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