Your say / Eid
‘I have seen families, neighbours and strangers come together’
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end and we welcome the arrival of Eid al-Fitr, I want to offer some personal reflections on what this time has meant for us as a city, and what it might continue to mean if we carry its lessons forward.
Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time, but it is also profoundly communal. Across Bristol, I have seen families, neighbours and strangers coming together—breaking bread, standing in prayer, and supporting those in need. From community Iftars and food bank donations, to acts of quiet kindness behind closed doors, this month has brought out the very best of us.
It is always humbling to witness the generosity and resilience of our diverse communities. Ramadan reminds us to look beyond ourselves, to serve others, and to build connections rooted in compassion. In a city as vibrant and multicultural as ours, these connections are not just comforting—they are essential.
is needed now More than ever
Abdul Malik recently organised an iftaar celebration along with the community and members of the mosque on St Mark’s Road
Eid is the joyful celebration that follows a month of reflection and refraining. It is a time to gather with loved ones, to give thanks, and to renew our commitment to justice, mercy, and community. But it is also a moment to pause and reflect on what more we can do—individually and collectively—to make Bristol a more unified, inclusive place for all.
In that spirit, one aspiration I hold close to heart is that we might one day be able to mark Eid together on the same day, across our many traditions. It’s a small gesture with a big message: that we are stronger when we stand side by side.
For now, I want to celebrate all that we’ve shared this Ramadan—the generosity, the hospitality, the sense of solidarity—and wish everyone in Bristol a blessed and joyful Eid. May it bring peace to our homes, healing to our hearts, and hope for the future.
Eid Mubarak to all.
All photos: Abdul Malik
This is an opinion piece from Abdul Malik, one of the councillors for Ashley Ward
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