This new short film provides an insight into the Islamic community in Newcastle and their observance of Ramadan and Eid, its meaning and purpose and the customs and traditions involved. Imam Abdul Basit and community members of Newcastle Central Mosque explain the importance of this holy month to the community and to Muslims worldwide and share what it means to them and their families and how they observe Ramadan and celebrate Eid in the city.
Click here to view the film for free. There will also be a question and answer session at Newcastle Central Mosque on 26th May, which schools are invited to participate in through Microsoft Teams Live (register with international@durham.gov.uk to get the link).
The global and local Islamic community
There are 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, 3.3 million in the UK and 36,000 in Tyneside. Imam Abdul Basit has led the Tyneside Islamic Community for the last 20 years. In this film, he explains the diversity of the community, with Newcastle Central Mosque having 36 different nationalities represented from across the world.
An insight into Ramadan and Eid
The film explores Ramadan as one of the holiest Islamic months and one of the five pillars of Islam. People may know about the fast, which involves eating one meal before dawn and one after sunset, but interviews with the Imam and community members and families provide a deeper insight into this religious month. They explain that it is about being grateful for what you have, seeking forgiveness, charity and looking after others who are less fortunate. It is a time for prayer and reflection and a time for families, friends and communities to come together.
Community members in Newcastle from different countries show how they break their fast and the foods they prepare and eat, which represent their own cultures.
The end of the 30 days of Ramadan culminate in the festival of Eid Al-Fitr, which is when people come together to pray, celebrate and share their achievements.
In Newcastle, Eid is celebrated in homes and communities and at the Newcastle Central Mosque, with 5000-7000 people attending, as well as at mosques across the city.
Q&A session for schools on 26 May
There will be a live question and answer session with the Imam at Newcastle’s Central Mosque, which schools in Newcastle can join via Microsoft Teams Live. Registration is required to get the link to join the session. Contact international@durham.gov.uk to get the link
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Newcastle’s Islamic community for participating in this film and sharing their insights, as well as to Equality and Diversity Solutions (including our Board member Veena Soni) for organising this and to our partners at Durham County Council International and Global Durham Partnership for their support in producing and commissiong this film.