If Christmas Isn't Cancelled, Boris Johnson Will Have To Answer Questions About Eid
When we talk about the current government, it’s hard to ignore its clear contempt for the British Muslim community.
And as a British Muslim, I can’t help but feel nauseated at this representation, because paint it whichever way you will, the Islamophobia in government Covid policy is very real.
The same government that has now endorsed the wearing of face masks in public places is ironically led by a man who labelled Muslim women wearing niqabs and face coverings as “letterboxes” and “bank robbers”.
And comments like these aren’t without their consequences. Anti-Muslim incidents rose by 375% following Boris Johnson’s comments and still, he refused to apologise.
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'Targeted And Singled Out' – How It Feels When The Government Cancels Your Eid Plans
Throughout this Covid pandemic, as people gathered for street parties and filled beaches during the hot weather, Muslims have been repeatedly ignored – and scapegoated.
When Ramadan came around, a month in which Muslims fast and focus on their spirituality and community, Muslims were not able to come together. Nightly prayer congregations and family dinners were abandoned.
Instead, in the midst of a pandemic we were expected to adjust, to either come together virtually or be left alone and alienated in a time of intense hardship for our communities.
Eid-al-Adha, which I would usually have spent in the park, praying in a congregation of more than a hundred thousand people and then later attending a funfair and eating burgers, while trying not to ruin my new clothes, was a quiet affair. We stayed at home.
But the potential of a Christmas without a big family gathering is just going too far,...
