Your say / Ramadan
‘Hundreds gather to break their fast, sharing meals regardless of background’
As the moon signals the arrival of Ramadan, Bristol’s Muslim community comes together for a month of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection.
It is a time of deep personal connection with faith, but just as importantly, it is a time of unity—where mosques, families, and communities open their doors to all, fostering a spirit of togetherness that defines the very best of our city.
At the heart of this is Easton Jamia Mosque, the largest mosque in Bristol, a place that goes far beyond being just a house of prayer.
Every night, as the call to Maghrib prayer rings out, the mosque becomes a lifeline for the community. Hundreds gather to break their fast, sharing meals regardless of background, income, or circumstance.
Volunteers work tirelessly to serve food, ensuring that those who are struggling—whether due to financial hardship, homelessness, or loneliness—have a place where they are welcomed with warmth and dignity.
This is Ramadan in action. It is not just about abstaining from food and drink—it is about thinking of those who go without every single day, not out of choice, but out of necessity. It is about recognising that hunger and hardship exist in our own city and that faith calls us to do something about it.
The Ramadan daily calendar 2025
Ramadan also brings a different rhythm to life in Bristol. The city’s Muslim workforce adjusts to long fasts, schoolchildren push through their studies while fasting, and businesses with Muslim employees show their support in different ways—offering flexible work hours or simply showing understanding.
At night, the streets around our mosques are alive with worshippers attending Taraweeh prayers, a spiritual practice that brings a sense of peace and connection after a long day of fasting.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Ramadan in Bristol is the way it brings people together beyond the Muslim community.
Time and time again, we see our non-Muslim neighbours attending iftar events, breaking bread side by side with us, experiencing the hospitality that is such an integral part of our faith. This is the Bristol we are proud of—a city that respects and embraces its diversity.
Yet, Ramadan is also a time for reflection—not just on ourselves, but on our city. It forces us to ask: Are we doing enough to help those who are struggling?
When we fast, we are reminded of food insecurity, something that affects so many people in Bristol. Why do we still have families relying on food banks? Why are so many people living in temporary accommodation? The spirit of Ramadan demands action, not just empathy.
As we approach Eid al-Fitr, a day of joy and celebration, we carry these lessons forward. The end of Ramadan is not the end of our duty to our community. The mosques, the volunteers, the spirit of giving—these must continue, beyond just one month.
Easton Jamia Mosque will always stand as a pillar of support for the people of this city, not just in Ramadan but throughout the year. As Bristol grows and changes, we must ensure that the values of compassion, unity, and social justice remain at its heart. Ramadan reminds us of what truly matters—not wealth, not status, but the simple act of looking after one another.
And so, as we break our fasts each evening, sharing food and prayers, we are reminded: this is not just about Ramadan. This is about who we are, as a city and as a community.
Eid Mubarak when it comes, Bristol. Let’s carry this spirit forward, always.
This is an opinion piece by Abdul Malik, a Green councillor for Ashley Ward.
Main photo: Abdul Malik
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