Call for one Eid for all muslims

Oct 31 2006 By Tony Collins, Birmingham Mail

MUSLIM leaders in Birmingham want a common date for celebrating the Islamic holiday of Eid in order to ease the pressure on city schools.

The holiday is held to mark the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

But, because the month begins with the sighting of the new moon, there may be regional differences in the exact date of Eid, as well as differences from country to country.

Dr Mohammed Naseem, chairman of the Birmingham Central Mosque, said: "The date is dependant on the relationship of the moon and the sun.

"There is also some discrepancy between our national observatory and other observatories around the world.

"For schools, it means there could be a problem if half the pupils want an Eid holiday on one day and the other half look to take it on another day.

"There shouldn't be any difference, which is why we are searching for a common date. We have now held a preliminary meeting."

Dr Naseem said the meeting, held last Sunday, involved representatives from a number of local mosques. Further meetings are now due to take place.

This year's Eid celebrations, which coincided with half-term, fell within October 23 to 25, but next year it will be earlier, from October 12 to 14 when schools are likely to be open.