Yesterday, Stephen attended a reception in Parliament hosted by Islamic Relief to celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Eid-ul-Fitr means “festival of the breaking of the fast” and celebrates the end of Ramadan, a month when Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours to devote themselves to reflection and prayer. Though the Islamic Relief reception was held yesterday, Eid-ul-Fitr actually occurred on Friday 21 April this year. At Eid, Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with prayers, gifts, and food.
Islamic Relief is a faith-inspired charity founded in Birmingham in 1984 that works in 40 countries across the globe. Islamic Relief combats poverty and responds to humanitarian crises. Ramadan is renowned as a time of generous giving for the Muslim community, and last year Islamic Relief raised over £18 million.
Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP, and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and the United Nations spoke at the event.
Speaking afterwards, Stephen said, “I am delighted to be able to celebrate the end of Ramadan with Islamic Relief. They are an excellent charity doing important and life-saving work. I wish all my constituents celebrating a belated Eid Mubarak!”