Being under lockdown for several months due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the Muslim community in Brighton felt disappointed by what they term as government’s bias against `Eid.
A new lockdown was imposed only a few hours before `Eid Al-Adha, preventing them from celebrating with their family members.
But on the other hand, thousands were allowed on Friday to head to beaches along the south coast.
Friday, July 31, was the first day of Muslims’ `Eid Al-Adha, one of the two annual Muslim celebrations.
The Government announced new local lockdown measures in parts of the north of England late on Thursday night.
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A Muslim journalist shared her displeasure on Twitter, saying while she was forced to stay home on `Eid day, Brighton beach was swarmed with people on Friday, The Argus reported.
The Muslim 22-year-old wrote on Twitter: “This was Brighton beach today, but I wasn’t allowed to see my grandparents in Bradford for `Eid Al-Adha. Pathetic and insulting.”
Aleesha, who has written for CNN International and gal-dem magazine, criticized the timing of the government decision, coming only a few hours ahead of `Eid.
“It’s not comparable to Easter. We were all under lockdown then. The Government announced this measure a few hours before `Eid. People made plans.
“There’s no data on the virus being caught specifically through visiting houses. It’s clearly flawed because it’s not a full local lockdown like Leicester – I can’t see my grandparents in their house but can come in contact with random people in pubs and restaurants and can see my family in those enclosed spaces?”
“The safety of myself and my family is paramount.”
Angry Reactions
Aleesha was not the only Muslim who criticized the sudden lockdown.
One Twitter user wrote: “New lockdown measures for Greater Manchester the day before Eid? I smell Islamaphobia.”
Another wrote: “Answer this honestly. Would they have done this at 9pm on Christmas Eve?”
Aleesha added in another Twitter post: “Just to be clear: The vast majority of these Northern areas have a significant Muslim population.
“The Government knew exactly what it was doing when it announced these local lockdown measures a few hours before Eid al-Adha.”
`Eid Al-Adha, or “Feast of Sacrifice”, is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations, together with `Eid Al-Fitr.
`Eid begins with special prayers to mark the day. Muslims then offer udhiyah, a ritual that commemorates the great act of sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma`eel.