Celebrate Eid al-Fitr in peace and security

Women pose for a picture at Central Park (Hulhumalé) illuminated with decorations ahead of Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Male in the Maldives on Monday. (Photo by Mohamed Afrah/Getty Images)

This week many Muslim households and communities will be coming together to celebrate Eid al-Fitr – the festival of the breaking of the fast – which concludes the holy month of Ramadan, a month of prayer and reflection throughout which Muslims engage in fasting during the hours of daylight.

Following this month of reflection, fasting and charity, Eid is celebrated with friends and family, involving prayers, the preparation of special food and the giving of gifts.

I am proud to live in such a multi-cultural and multi-faith city where we can share in and help celebrate each other’s blessed celebrations. As faith groups have gathered previously – and soon again will gather – at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate Eid, we also have a proud tradition of marking each other’s festivals, from Christmas to Hanukkah to Diwali and many more.

Edinburgh should be a place of inclusivity, equality and tolerance for all. We must uplift each other, find strength in diversity, and speak out against hate. Marking each others festivals can help to increase this understanding, tolerance and community cohesion, making Edinburgh a city for people of all faiths and none. I hope the Muslim Community in Edinburgh, across Scotland and around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr in peace and security. Eid Mubarak!

Foysol Choudhury is a Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian

Celebrate Eid al-Fitr in peace and security - Foysol Choudhury