A message from the Mayor of Carlisle as Ramadan comes to an end

After a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, Muslim communities began Eid al-Fitr festivities on April 10, marked by group prayers, family gatherings, and many festivities.

"To everybody, enjoy this special occasion, enjoy celebrating Eid amongst family, friends and the community," the Mayor of Carlisle Abdul Harid said. 

"Spread the word of peace throughout our communities and unite everybody.

"Invite everybody, share it with your neighbours and the vulnerable.

"Let this occasion be an opportunity for everyone to get together and celebrate our diverse communities. Eid Mubarak to everyone," he said. 

In line with the holy month, Carlisle United opened its doors to the local Muslim community for an Iftar, a meal which follows the whole day of fasting, on Thursday evening (April 4). 

Touching on the club's effort to connect with new members of the community, a statement read: "This is part of the club’s activities to connect with and welcome new people. We had over 130 people in total at the event, which, for a first event, was truly exceptional." 

Iftar welcomed at Brunton Park (Image: Nigel Davidson)

The Iftar was open to members of the non-Muslim community as well, and included guests such as Cumberland Council Leader Cllr Mark Fryer and a number of CUFC fans and Carlisle United Community Sports Trust.

The Muslim community were thrilled about developing links with the football club. 

Two players of CUFC Ladies’ team from Afghanistan attended the event, along with representatives from Hilltop United FC. 

Imam Abdur Rashid said: “I'm sure beautiful and genuine sentiments motivated this noble event. The organisers from Carlisle United, Carlisle Refugee Action Group, the Football Supporters’ Association and Carlisle Islamic Centre cannot be appreciated enough for their joint efforts. 

"We often don't realise that a collaboration of multiple organisations is a much praiseworthy feat especially for a cause that is dear to minority members of our community.

EDI officer Nigel Davidson said: I am so proud to see that it has taken place and been such a success (Image: Nigel Davidson)

"Heartwarming to see the thoughtfulness of the club manifest on this blessed month for Muslims. I anticipate this to be the first of more worthwhile pursuits.”

Carlisle United's EDI officer Nigel Davidson said: "It has been a pleasure to plan, and this culminated in a very emotional evening on the Brunton Park pitch. It is so important to make all sections of our community feel welcome at Carlisle United and this event went a very long way towards that. 

"As Imam Rashid says, ‘beautiful and genuine sentiments motivated this event’ and he is correct. There is much ‘box-ticking’ and ‘virtue signalling’ in the world today, but I have to say that the desire for this event and everything we undertake at Carlisle United in the EDI & Mental Health space is truly from the heart.”