Today’s guest blog comes from Mohammed Elsharif, from Muslims 4 Bristol.

Our Bristol Muslim community in the past thirty days has been blessed with the holy month of Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and devotion to the worship of Allah, with a special focus on kindness, love and looking out for the poor, the vulnerable and the the less fortunate in our society.

The essence  of Ramadan is not only the spiritual connection but the human connection that goes beyond common religion to neighbours and fellow citizens.

The Muslim community of Bristol throughout the month has lived up to the values and spirit of Ramadan. We have reached out to the city with spiritual prayers for the end of the painful pandemic, and prayed for social and economic recovery. Acts of kindness abound, to the poor and homeless through sustainable food provision, by sharing space, and giving generously to good causes. We have also continued to volunteer to support shielding and vulnerable citizens, providing emotional support to and befriending those who are socially isolated.

The month of Ramadan is also time to be grateful for the numerous blessings in our lives: health, family, friends, and homes. We feel lucky to be part of the great city of Bristol with its beautiful diversity and coexistence.

As we celebrate Eid today we renew our commitment to the city to act and work together with our fellow Bristolians to celebrate the diversity and to encourage kindness and amend differences to build one strong and coherent society.

May Allah bless us all with health and happiness