Eid marks a new beginning for British Muslims – we need this now more than ever after Brexit

This Ramadan has been particularly challenging for British Muslims, not physically but mentally and spiritually due to the divisive EU referendum

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (Getty)

Eid marks the end of Ramadan and a new beginning for Muslims – a reason to celebrate and be determined to carry through the spiritual experience, discipline and renewed community spirit that Muslims foster during the month.

This Ramadan has been particularly challenging for British Muslims, not physically but mentally and spiritually due to the divisive EU Referendum campaign. Leading up to Brexit, the tone, rhetoric and campaigning material of some members of the Leave campaign continued to single out the Muslim community and ethnic minorities. The far right movements used this divisive and toxic campaign to focus on the perceived “Muslim invasion” of Britain and our supposed burden on the economy.

The truth could not be further from this. Muslims do not wish to “invade” Britain; rather they fought in their hundreds and thousands for the British Empire during the World Wars, and then came to rebuild post-war Britain. The three million Muslims contribute significantly to the British economy with Muslim consumers in the UK spending an estimated £20.5 billion a year – £100 million of that is spent in the month of Ramadan alone. In addition, Muslims are reported to be top charity givers in Britain.

We saw the consequence of intolerance and hatred when the life of Jo Cox MP was taken away from us by an individual who is alleged to have had links with far right and neo-nazi movements. Jo Cox was a humanitarian who had helped refugees and had been liaising with the Islamophobia watchdog Tell Mama regarding rise in anti-Muslim attacks, in particular against women. In the words of Jo Cox, “We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.” I hope that as British citizens with shared values we can all realise how much we have in common with each other and how critical harmony, friendship and active giving to our local communities is.

This year, there have been many powerful events throughout Ramadan. Community Iftar events were held, across the country, connecting those of different cultures and backgrounds, giving people an opportunity to make new friendships and experience the feeling of community and generosity. At Lambeth Palace, the Archbishop of Canterbury hosted an Iftar event, which brought together people of different faiths, including Chief Rabbi and the Mayor of London.

Whilst we celebrate Eid in Britain and hope to overcome our own divisions, we remember the millions of Muslims that have been displaced, or are without food, drink and shelter around the world due to conflict, violence or natural disasters. Muslims, like previous years, have been extremely generous this year; they have collected donations for charities that help the homeless, provided food parcels to those in need, raised funds for Syrian refugees, and built wells in parts of Africa and Asia, where access to clean water is limited.

We will also remember hundreds of Muslims that have been brutally slaughtered, in the last couple of weeks, around the world due to terrorism – including in Iraq, Bangladesh, Turkey and Pakistan. Given that these attacks have targeted Muslims in the month of Ramadan – which is a month of mercy – proves, once again, that terrorists have no regard for any religion or for humanity. The 200 victims of the attack on Baghdad included children who were shopping with their families in commercial centres, preparing for Eid. Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families.

We stand in solidarity with the 1.8 billion Muslims who will be praying during Eid for the peace, security, stability, and prosperity of all human beings, in the UK and across the world.