Eid al-Adha, the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, is a key date in the Muslim calendar and will be celebrated from the evening of Thursday, 30 July, and will end on the evening of Monday, 3 August.

Whilst many lockdown restrictions have been lifted, we should remember that COVID-19 is still active and as such, public health guidelines remain in place. This includes:

• stand 2 metres apart from one another,
• wash your hands regularly, and
• follow the public health guidance on wearing a face covering

Central Oxford Mosque remains closed at present, and although some mosques may have re-opened, they will be Covid secure. This means that fewer people can attend than normally would.

Some faith leaders continue to use digital tools to bring worshippers together for prayers and sermons. You can find out how your mosque is adapting by contacting them in advance by calling or emailing.

Imam Monawar Hussain, founder of the Oxford Foundation has produced a video about celebrating Eid safely. The interview features messages from 12 Muslim community leaders across Oxfordshire – in English, Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Pashto and Punjabi. You can watch this video here:

https://www.facebook.com/TheOxfordFoundation/videos/1192582007776051/

If you have symptoms of coronavirus – a new continuous cough, a high temperature or loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – get a test immediately and isolate at home. You should not invite anyone to your house, go to other houses or the mosque, and you should not prepare food for others.

The latest public health guidance issued by Oxfordshire County Council can be found here: https://bit.ly/Ox_stopthespread