AS Bradford's Muslim community prepares for Eid celebrations this week, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has published its 'top tips' for a safe Eid, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The national body, which has over 500 mosques, educational and charitable associations affiliated with it, released the tips in accordance with public health advice, it said.

The MCB's tips include:

  • 'OUTDOORS' - work with your local council to see if a suitable outdoor venue can be used for Eid prayers.
  • 'APPROVAL' - make sure that use of the outdoor space is approved by the council and the police.
  • 'MULTIPLE' - hold multiple congregations, if you are unable to organise an outdoor space for prayers.
  • 'TIME' - allow enough time between congregations and keep the khutbahs short.
  • 'EID TAKBEER' - only one person should recite the takbeer loudly, indoors, and only a few, if outdoors. Others should recite quietly.
  • 'NO HUGS' - give salaam or Eid greetings without hugging and shaking hands.
  • 'GATHERINGS' - if you are meeting other families, keep numbers to a minimum and meet outdoors.
  • 'UDHIYA' - consider udhiya to help those in need, in the UK or abroad. If sharing locally, make contactless drop offs.

Eid Ul-Adha, an important day in the Islamic calender, will be celebrated this week, with some sources saying it will fall on Thursday, and others on Friday.

Normally, celebrations would involve Eid prayers at the mosque, followed by gatherings of family and friends.

Due to the pandemic, however, Eid could be quite different for Bradford's Muslim community this year.

Yesterday, the NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) wished the Muslim community a happy and healthy Eid, while advising people not to get "complacent", and to continue to adhere to social distancing rules.