Eid Greetings from the Mayor - Marking end of Ramadan 

Eid Greetings from the Mayor, Mohammed Zaman

Fasting started a month ago and Eid lights were switched on at Milkstone Road, in Deeplish, to welcome the month of Ramadan. Time has quickly, passed and another holy month of Ramadan is over.

During this month many Iftar (fast breaking) events have been organised by local mosques, voluntary groups, businesses, and individuals including the ‘Big Iftar’ at the town hall by Rochdale Catalyst and GM Police, in addition to another Iftar organised by Rochdale Council of Mosques at Castlemere community centre which brought hundreds of people together from multi-faith and cultural backgrounds to develop better understanding and work together to develop a stronger community.

A significant amount of charitable giving has also taken place during this holy month to help those less fortunate and in need of help to make this Eid a special occasion for them both here in the UK and across the world, in particular those areas affected by famine, poverty and man-made crisis.

The Muslim community (my muslim brothers and sisters) of Rochdale will come together this week to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr. This celebration marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, the time to reflect on patience, worship, discipline, charity, forgiveness and revival of spiritual wellbeing. And a strong urge to maintain all the good that have been achieved both personally and collectively for the rest of the year and life.

Following the Eid, we will see many organisation holding Eid Milan events to share the joy of Eid with friends, work mates, neighbours and wider community to nurture good relations and stronger network. As mayor I look forward to these community gatherings.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my Muslim brothers, sisters and especially the young people a peaceful, healthier and happy Eid. Please look after your neighbours and drive safely on Eid day.