What Eid means to three families in Teesside

Families across the world will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr this week to mark the end of Ramadan. The festival sets the seal on a period where Muslims fast - refusing food and drink - between dawn and sunset.

Aisha Sadiqa, 25 and from Middlesbrough, said: "I spend Eid as a time to connect with family members and friends, as well as the community."

She has spent her "whole life" explaining why the dates of Ramadan vary, but always finds it "nice to speak with work colleagues" about their different experiences.

The start of Eid is decided by when a new moon appears in the evening sky and could take place on Thursday, Friday or even Saturday this year.

This year Ramadan coincides with Lent when some Christians do not eat certain food such as meat and fish, or give up something they find tempting like chocolate.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims will not eat or drink during the hours of daylight for 30 days.

Like Lent, it is a period of prayer, reflection and self-discipline.

Eid is often celebrated across three days when Muslims pray, enjoy time with friends and family, share meals and exchange gifts.

A self-confessed "matcha fan", Sadiqa said she is looking forward to waking up on Eid and getting "that caffeine boost".

Fasting gave her clarity and focus and she recalled regularly getting asked "not even water?" when she told people about her abstention.

Her cat Luna was confused about why she was eating breakfast at 04:00 GMT and now there is a fear the moggy may "meow" for food in the early hours after Ramadan.

For Sadiqa, after focusing on worship, fasting and taking part in charitable acts during Ramadan, she would be dressing up, meeting with loved ones and enjoying the things she had given up.

And it seems Luna is not the only confused cat.

Samina Zaman, 45, also from Middlesbrough, said her cat had now got used to her getting up early to start her fast.

"She [her cat Nizmo] was giving us a few little stares of 'what's going on?'"

Zaman said she would be celebrating her first Eid after being given the all clear from breast cancer in January.

The mother of three enjoyed the "discipline" of Ramadan and said when the month ends she would miss it.

"It's not just about discipline or anything like that. It's about coming together as a community and the charity work."

Ambreen Nawaz, 33, from Stockton on-Tees, said she was looking forward to spending Eid with her mum, but would miss her dad who passed away in 2021.

She has given her children an advert calendar for Ramadan with special messages and chocolate behind every door.

She has also made them Eid outfits with money pouches.

"I'm a busy working mum of two boys, so I tend to prepare in advance knowing how hectic things can get," she said.

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