Keighley's Muslim community celebrated an important religious event this week.

Eid-ul-Fitr marked the end of Ramadan. And on Tuesday families gathered for a day of celebrations.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic year in which fasting from dawn to sunset is required. Fasting is reckoned to be one of the five pillars, or requirements, of Islam.

Men gathered in the morning for prayers at the mosque in Emily Street, Keighley. In the afternoon families visited each another.

Javed Bashir, of Keighley's Muslim Community Associa-tion, says it is also a time for raising funds. "Fitrana is a donation of a minimum of £2 that every person in each family must give towards charity and the running of the mosque," he says. "This year we raised £34,000 on Eid day."

The Imam (the leader of the Muslim community) - Syed Basharat Hussain - gave a sermon and led prayers. He said he wanted to see Muslims uniting with other communities in Keighley.

Among his points, he said he wanted to encourage a 'walk to the mosque' campaign which he believed would reduce pollution and traffic problems. He also spoke on educating young Muslims and said English classes - additional to those in school - would be provided.

He urged people to take pride in their communities, asking them to clear the streets of litter.

Plans for an extension to the mosque go before Bradford council's planning committee on February 11.

Extensions are needed to cope with the large numbers attending.

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