Eid messages from the Prime Minister, Leader of the Labour Party, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats, First Ministers of Scotland and Wales as well as the Mayor of London

Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, Prime Minister

As-salamu alaykum. I want to wish Muslims around Britain and across the world a happy and blessed Eid.

The past few months haven’t been easy for anyone, but for British Muslims first you had to observe Ramadan – normally such a social time – under lockdown and then many wanting to perform Hajj have had their hopes dashed due to the restrictions relating to the virus.

So I want to say a huge thank you for the sacrifices you have made and for all your heroic efforts. Literally, helping to save lives through social distancing, giving generously to those in need and looking after the vulnerable as you have through food donations and other help.

And of course the part played by so many British Muslims in working on the frontline of this pandemic. From the amazing doctors, nurses and NHS staff who kept on caring throughout the crisis – putting others first – and sadly, in some cases, losing their own lives. I want to thank the key workers in other sectors, the teachers, the police, care workers and those who kept our transport running.

And now as everyone looks forward to Eid al-Adha – which celebrates the Islamic values of duty and self-sacrifice- I urge you to keep up the excellent work with social distancing and limiting the number of friends and families in your homes and engaging in the test and trace process – if there are cases of coronavirus in your area – to help protect yourselves and others.

Of course – things will be different again this Eid al-Adha, including Eid prayers, but it is my fervent hope that you do get to enjoy the festivities and get some incredibly good things to eat.

Let me wish all Muslims, here in the UK, and around the world the very best for Eid al-Adha

Eid Mubarak

Rt Hon Sir Keir starmer MP, Leader, Labour Party

To everyone celebrating Eid al-Adha here in the UK – I want to wish you a very warm Eid Mubarak.
I know this year many pilgrims from the UK who wanted to make the journey to perform the Hajj will have had to cancel their plans, sadly. However, it is great to see that some mosques are opening their doors but with social distancing measures in place for worshippers.
We still face a significant threat from Covid-19, and the risk posed to Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities are higher than others. I have spoken to many different communities in the last few months to hear about the challenges people are facing and how we can better support them. I will continue to hold the government to account on this front, so all our communities get the support they need.
I appreciate it is truly tough when people aren’t able to celebrate important occasions together with their friends and families – but our priority remains – to keep our loved ones and our communities safe.
Indeed, one of the important lessons from Eid al-Adha is about overcoming challenges through personal sacrifice. Muslim communities have made great sacrifices during this crisis. We have all learned to come together in these unpredictable and challenging times. And I hope we can continue to do this, so that we may overcome whatever challenges the future holds for us.
Once again, Eid Mubarak from everyone at the Labour Party.

Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP, Acting Leader, Liberal Democrats

Assalamu Alaykum.
This has been a challenging few months for many people and we have all made sacrifices. So it seems fitting that we are coming to the end of lockdown with a celebration that signifies just that. Sacrifice.
This Eid al-Adha Muslims will remember Abraham and the sacrifice he made for God. And this year many Muslims have made sacrifices to help us through this challenging time. Many of my friends who are Muslims have been on the frontline working tirelessly for the NHS, getting key workers to work on public transport and teaching full time even through the school holidays.
I want to thank all these heroes who have sacrificed so much for us during these difficult months. But now we are all adjusting to a new normal. Mosques have started to reopen which is wonderful to see and socially distant prayers have begun. You may not be standing shoulder to shoulder but the power of having communal worship will be a wonderful, welcome blessing.
Usually, around this time, 25,000 British Muslims would be going to Makkah to perform the pilgrimage Hajj. This year, this won’t happen but the tradition of Muslims giving money to charity to give poorer families the chance to have a proper Eid feast will still be observed. And I have seen firsthand Muslim communities reaching out to others, offering their support to the vulnerable and needy.
I saw wonderful examples of community spirit during Ramadan and even enjoyed a virtual Lib Dem Iftar with friends. This time, communal meals may not have to virtual on Eid but still a different experience. I know many of you will be looking forward to this again.
Wishing that your sacrifices are appreciated and your prayers are answered. Have a blessed Eid al-Adha!
Eid Mubarak.

Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister of Scotland

I am sending my warmest wishes to those in Scotland and around the world, celebrating Eid al-Adha.
For Muslims all over the globe, it is an important time to reiterate the values of devotion, thanksgiving and charity.
These values are, of course, an integral part of your faith, and we recognise that your commitment to supporting some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities has been outstanding – particularly in these unprecedented times.
Eid al-Adha is a special time for friends and families to come together and celebrate and I understand that this year’s celebrations will be incredibly difficult – due to the measures that are in place to continue to suppress the effects of COVID-19.
I wish you all a very happy, peaceful and safe Eid ul-Adha – Eid Mubarak!

Rt Hon Mark Drakeford AM, First Minister of Wales

I want to send my warmest Eid Mubarak to all Muslims across Wales and the world, as we mark Eid al-Adha and through it celebrate the values of love, kindness and solidarity.
This is a time to share food, visit family and friends, and give to the poor. Mosques and other places of worship in Wales are now open for services and ceremonies with social distancing, and groups of up to 30 people can gather together outdoors to worship, again subject to social distancing.
The challenging circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic meant that coming together with family and friends in large groups for the Eid al-Fitr festival wasn’t possible. I know this was very hard to do. So I’m delighted that there are now more opportunities in Wales to celebrate the Festival of Sacrifice together in mosques or outdoors.
I want to say thank you again to Muslim communities who have adapted to different ways of worship this year. Your actions continue to save lives.
We have greatly valued the support of community members as we have moved to ease lockdown measures. Close and trusted relationships with faith communities are hugely important to the Welsh Government and have been vital in informing our understanding of important requirements and traditions.

Rt Hon Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

As we celebrate Eid Al-Adha, I’d like to send my warmest wishes to Muslims across London and around the world.
Eid Al-Adha marks the end of the Hajj season and is a time for families and communities to join together for food and celebration to mark the occasion. But this year, not only will there have been no Muslim Londoners making the Hajj, but we will have to meet in smaller numbers, gather online, or undertake socially distant Eid prayers as we continue to play our part in tackling the spread of Covid-19.
It has been a year like no other. We have been unable to meet in Mosques or be with our families for Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. The Eid Al-Adha story centres around sacrifice and as lockdown measures continue to ease, we reflect on the great sacrifices we have all made, none more so than our heroic NHS and essential workers.
It has been a difficult and challenging time for us all, but I have been truly inspired by the way the community has united and cared for others, while we’ve been apart. I want us to harness and continue this community spirit as we move forward and begin to recover from this pandemic.
We have shown that we will never be confined by walls, and this Eid Al-Adha we will remember the values of equality, humanity and togetherness that have kept us going.
From my family to yours, Eid Mubarak!