Government criticised for ‘Islamophobic’ lockdown rules meaning British Muslims are unable to celebrate Eid

On Thursday night, the government surprised everyone with a brand new set of lockdown rules for people in the north of England.

Announcing there had been a ‘spike’ in cases, stricter rules were imposed from midnight on households in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

The city of Leicester was also included in the new rules.

They mean that people from different households can no longer meet indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.

But the announcement was made the night before Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar.

To put it into gauche and clumsy context for anyone unfamiliar with the Islamic faith, it’s like Christmas.

There’s prayer and Muslims exchange gifts and share meals with their family and loved ones.

And this year, the date was set for 31 July.

The previous easing of lockdown had brought a bit of comfort to many British Muslims who don’t live in the same households as family and friends.

For thousands of Muslims in the north of England, the new measures have come as a massive blow.

A large proportion of British Muslims live in the regions affected by the news; over 800,000 according to figures from the Muslim Council of Britain.

Many people are questioning whether the government’s announcement would have taken place on Christmas Eve in quite the same manner.

The lack of reference by the government to the impact this will have on British Muslims has raised eyebrows.

People from all denominations are kicking up a fuss; it’s being attributed to “systematic racism and Islamophobia” in the UK.

All in all, it’s really highlighted a difference between how people of different faiths are treated in the UK.

And it’s not good.

Eid Mubarak to all.