Chester Mosque Women's Group hold first Eid celebration

Muslim women and children from across Cheshire and Flintshire gathered on Saturday (May 21) at the mosque for an Eid party, with Eid having taken place at the start of May following a month of fasting.

Organised with funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWACC) and with donations of chairs and tables from nearby Deepoint School, the event was aimed at bringing together the local community and introducing newcomers to the mosque. The event went on to raise £640.00 which will go towards the upkeep of the centre.

Shamima Chowdry-Islam, one of the Eid party organisers, said: "Whilst it has been here for a number of years, this is the first time we have had a women and children only event at the Chester Mosque.

"The idea stemmed from zoom meetings during Ramadan. A group of us would meet every day to read the Quran and for discussion, then we had our first women's iftar [to mark the breaking of the fast] at the mosque.

"As that was very successful, we thought 'why don't we have an Eid party?'"

The children were allowed to enjoy the sunshine and play in front of the mosque with bouncy castles and other games, whilst the women were able to come together to meet and talk with friends and family members. Shamima says that the event has helped to connect women of different generations and walks of life, as well as ensuring those who are new to the area know they have a place where they can be supported.

Members of Cheshire constabulary were also in attendance, with a police van which fascinated many of the younger individuals. Food and drinks were also provided throughout the afternoon before the women and children entered the prayer hall to finish with a game of pass the parcel.

Cheshire police arrived and allowed the children into the police van.

"We really want to work with the community. The mosque is a place of worship but also a place to find out new things, a place of fun, a place where we come to get moral guidance, where we come to get emotional guidance, a place of help and friendship. That is what we want it to be."

Organisers Mahmuda Miah, Shamima Chowdhury-Islam, Nazmin Chowdhury, Dr Yakta Hamid, Tajkia Hashim, Jesmin Islam, Ayesha Islam and Anisa Kathunigaram worked together with volunteers, and representatives from CWACC bring the event together in a little over a week.

Angela Doe, Equality and Diversity Manager for the Council, said: "We've been working really closely with the mosque itself, supporting the leadership group and this event is a development of that.

"Developing the Women's Group, within the council is very important. It helps the inclusion of the whole community, [the mosque] tends to be attended more by the men and there are specific activities for the children and the women as well, but having a group that will create even more opportunities for them is absolutely tremendous."

Cllr Carol Gahan, Blacon Ward elected member and member of the Council Cabinet, said at the event: "I am delighted to attend the first ever Eid-ul Fitr celebration organised by the newly formed Blacon Mosque Women’s Group.

"There are over 200 women and children, including a number of newcomers to the Mosque, enjoying delicious food, face painting, bouncy castle and having great time.

"I am sure that Blacon Mosque Women’s Group and its wonderful team of volunteers will continue to grow from strength to strength.

"The Council is delighted to support such events as part of its commitment to encouraging engagement and celebrating the diversity of its local community."

For more information about Chester Mosque and Islamic Centre visit: https://chestermosque.org/home.