Summary

  • Eid Mubarak! Muslims across the globe are celebrating following the end of Ramadan

  • The BBC screened a live service from Bradford Central Mosque - the first terrestrial broadcast of its kind

  • Eid al-Fitr is the "festival of breaking the fast" and takes place the day after the new moon is seen at the end of the month of Ramadan

  • Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran - Islam's holy book - were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this time

  • Watch the broadcast by clicking here.

  1. End of live coveragepublished at 12:32 British Summer Time 31 March

    We're ending our live coverage of Eid prayers at Bradford Central Mosque.

    The broadcast by the BBC was the first time the service had been shown on a UK terrestrial channel.

    The BBC is also broadcasting a special show at 22:40 BST from Bradford.

    Celebrity Eid will bring together food and fun with a host of well known guests.

    You can catch it on BBC One or watch here when it is broadcast or afterwards.

    Thank you for joining us for our coverage.

  2. Eid equals boom time for Bradford's businessespublished at 12:21 British Summer Time 31 March

    Eid is a time to treat yourself and your loved ones, from luxurious banquets to new clothes, and businesses in Bradford say the income at this time of year provides a big boost.

    Atsham Ali, who works at clothes store Shaam G, in Bradford, says the week before the celebrations had led to an increase in sales of about 60%.

    Atsham Ali wearing a black shirt stands in front of rails of women's clothesImage source, Arzu Dutta/BBC

    He says: "This is one of the busiest periods in our business, especially the last few days before Eid because we'll be open till about 02:00 on the last two days.

    "This year the farshi shalwar is a new trend, which used to be in fashion in the 1970s, but it's come back and that's been the most in-demand item for us this time.

    "We're getting customers from all over the UK, Birmingham, Glasgow and customers come to Bradford for Eid especially."

    Find out more about the economic impact of Eid on Bradford and businesses in the city.

  3. Are there Eid movies in the way there are Christmas movies?published at 12:16 British Summer Time 31 March

    Noor Nanji
    Culture Reporter

    A young boy and two young girls wearing headscarves lie on the floor in front of a laptopImage source, Getty Images

    Unlike Christmas, there aren’t many films specifically focused on Eid.

    But some films feature Eid celebrations as part of the storyline.

    In India, Bollywood films are often lined up to be released around festival times - and Eid is a major national festival.

    So in that sense, many films can be considered Eid films.

    This year, for example, Salman Khan's Sikandar is being released at Eid - the action-packed film is highly anticipated by fans.

  4. Mouth-watering recipes to help celebrate Eid in stylepublished at 12:12 British Summer Time 31 March

    A hand reaches over a table full of food to pick up a samosaImage source, Getty Images

    Talking of food, after a month of fasting Eid is a chance to celebrate the end of that period of sacrifice and devotion.

    And what better way to have fun than by cooking up some delicious dishes?

    From Spinach borek pastries with tomato and pomegranate salad and Lamb raan to sweet treats like sheer khurma and coconut rose ladoos the BBC Food pages are bursting with recipes for you to try at home.

  5. 'Eid is a day full of fun and food'published at 12:08 British Summer Time 31 March

    Richard Edwards
    BBC Political Reporter, North Yorkshire

    A lady wearing a headscarf, a brown hoodie and a black denim jacket smiles into the camera.Image source, Rich Edwards/BBC
    Image caption,

    Tayyeba Zeb says Eid is particularly exciting for her family this year

    Tayyeba Zeb, from Garforth in West Yorkshire, says Eid is particularly exciting for her this year as she has a newborn baby boy.

    "We're a crazy house in the morning, you have all the kids running around and getting really excited," she says.

    "They have Eid sacks, where they get presents, so they will open all of those and as a family we'll eat a lavish breakfast together.

    "It's just a day full of lots of fun and food - a bit like Christmas I guess!"

  6. 'It’s a peaceful month, we look forward to it'published at 11:59 British Summer Time 31 March

    Chloe Aslett
    BBC News, Yorkshire

    A row of women in Islamic dress kneeling down on prayer matsImage source, Getty Images

    In Sheffield, university students Dana and Riham said they had enjoyed Ramadan and having a chance to focus on their faith.

    Dana says: "It’s a peaceful month, we look forward to it. We try and create some new habits that we can maintain after. If you do something for 30 days, you can continue it.

    "Reflecting and being more grateful – we’re not eating so when we do have that meal, we feel more grateful for it. We also like to do more charity – it’s not just giving money, it can be like smiling to someone on the road, things like that.

    "It’s becoming a better version [of yourself]. I look forward to changing and improving myself, it’s a really nice time honestly."

    Riham says Ramadan comes at "the exact perfect time".

    "Sometimes you just need that month where your focus is worshipping, doing better as a Muslim, charity, and if you’re abstaining from food, you become more aware of everything around you.

    "[At Eid] sometimes you get money from your family, you might wear new clothes, but it’s a bittersweet day as well, because Ramadan is gone."

  7. 'Eid Mubarak, from me to you, from mine to yours'published at 11:53 British Summer Time 31 March

    For the past month the BBC's Not Even Water podcast has been providing a guide to Ramadan for anyone with questions about the month of fasting for Muslims.

    In a special message to listeners host Fatiha El-Ghorri reflects on her own feelings at the end of Ramadan as she prepared to celebrate Eid.

  8. 'End of fasting means more freedom'published at 11:47 British Summer Time 31 March

    Adam Laver
    BBC News in Bradford

    Sakeb Zahoor, 55 and his son Huzaifah Sakeb, 20Image source, Adam Laver/BBC
    Image caption,

    Sakeb Zahoor, 55 and Huzaifah Sakeb, 20, are happy fasting is at an end

    There's a palpable sense of relief among worshippers that fasting is at an end.

    Sakeb Zahoor, 55 and his son Huzaifah Sakeb, 20, say they enjoyed their feast after sunset last night.

    Sakeb says with a smile that it is nice "just to be a bit more free to do what we want, while still being focused on our faith and our obedience on what we have to do in life".

  9. 'Ramadan is therapy for some'published at 11:40 British Summer Time 31 March

    Richard Edwards
    BBC Political Reporter, North Yorkshire

    As Muslims celebrate Eid, Mohammed Osman, an imam in the North Yorkshire town of Selby, says the preceding period of Ramadan can an "opportunity" for people to socialise when communities gather for break their fast after sunset.

    "You see people you've not seen for the whole year," Mr Osman, 59, says.

    "Some people are isolated, by their work or nature, and they don't integrate with other people. So for them Ramadan is great, it is therapeutic I think."

    Mohammed Osman, a man in his fifties wearing a white checked shirt and glasses. He is stood against the backdrop of a wooden fence and some flowers.Image source, Rich Edwards/BBC
    Image caption,

    Mohammed Osman says Ramadan gives people the opportunity to socialise

  10. 'Eid is a celebration because you have achieved something'published at 11:35 British Summer Time 31 March

    Chef Asma Khan will be joining Jason Mohammed and a host well-known sports stars, comedians, actors and musicians as part of the BBC's Celebrity Eid at 22:40 BST.

    Ahead of the broadcast she has been sharing her favourite recipes, cooking tips and memories of Eid.

    Asma Khan smiles at the camera. She is wearing a bright orange top and a pearl necklace and earringsImage source, @solace_photos

    “Many people have fulfilled targets over this month, like reading the Quran or fasting all 30 days,” says Khan. “Eid is a joyous celebration because you have achieved something.”

    Food is a big part of the celebrations, although exactly what each family will eat depends on taste and heritage. Khan still remembers what she’d eat on Eid as a child in India.

    “The breakfast really stands out for me, because the adults who’d been fasting hadn’t eaten breakfast for 30 days. This idea of having breakfast together was very exciting and, in my family, it was very lavish.

    “My absolute greatest memory was this warm milky, vermicelli nut and date dish, called sheer khurma. We would have it in beautiful bone china cups, although I was considered clumsy, so was made to sit on a newspaper on the floor with it,” she explains, laughing.

    “I’ve made it ever since I left home – every Eid – and I’m going to be making it for the event in Bradford as well.”

  11. Embraces and handshakes as service endspublished at 11:33 British Summer Time 31 March

    Worshippers are now hugging each other and exchanging warm wishes as the service concludes.

    Our coverage of the ceremony has come to an end on BBC One, but you can watch it back here.

    Families embrace as Eid prayers come to an end
    Image caption,

    Eid prayers end at the mosque

  12. 'Carry the lesson forward,' worshippers toldpublished at 11:28 British Summer Time 31 March

    Shaykh Ahsan tells worshippers about the importance of Ramadan leaving a lasting legacy on the lives of each individual Muslim.

    "If after Ramadan, we return to our old habits without any improvement, then we have missed its true purpose," he says.

    "But if we carry these lessons forwards, if we emerge from this blessed month as better individuals, then we have truly succeeded."

    Shaykh Syed Ahsan
    Image caption,

    The imam urged worshippers to "carry the lesson of Ramadan forwards"

  13. 'Charity key to Islam and Eid al-Fitr'published at 11:23 British Summer Time 31 March

    Zakat al Fitr, also known as Fitrana, is the practice of making a small donation to help feed the less fortunate before the end of Ramadan.

    As part of the service, worshippers have heard about the importance of charity - not just money and material items but time, care and effort.

    "Every small act of kindness contributes to a better world," Shaykh Ahsan tells the congregation.

    Many Muslims have been collecting and sending money to help those in Gaza who have been left in need due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

    Thousands of people joined the evening feast after a day-long fast during Ramadan in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on March 19, 2025Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Fitrana is given to ensure the less fortunate can eat and enjoy Eid

  14. 'All those joining us around the world, Eid Mubarak'published at 11:10 British Summer Time 31 March

    A recitation has taken place and now a sermon, read aloud in English, takes place.

    There will then be two cycles of prayer.

    Worshippers will then show their dedication to God through bowing and prostration.

    Shaykh Syed Ahsan welcomes worshippers in the mosque and those watching on TV and following online, wherever they are.

    Bradford Central MosqueImage source, Arzu Dutta/BBC
    Image caption,

    Bradford Central Mosque

  15. 'A very, very special day'published at 11:04 British Summer Time 31 March

    Shaykh Burhaan Khandia, who is alongside Jason Mohammad at the mosque to help explain to non-Muslims what is happening, says that Eid is a "very, very special day".

    "We call this payday," he says.

    "It's when God rewards us for all the hard work people have been doing on a spiritual level during the month of Ramadan."

    Shaykh Burhaan Khandia
    Image caption,

    Shaykh Burhaan Khandia

  16. Celebrations take place across the UKpublished at 11:00 British Summer Time 31 March

    Two Muslim women in a park, pictured smiling at a camera. They are both wearing headscarvesImage source, BBC West Midlands
    Image caption,

    Aqsa Nasar (right, pictured with Mashal Riaz) said there was a "beautiful feeling"

    Millions of Muslims across the UK are celebrating Eid with family and friends.

    In Birmingham, a city with one of the UK's largest Muslim communities, crowds gathered outdoors in Small Heath Park.

    After bad weather in 2023 and 2024, it was the first time in three years Eid celebrations could take place outdoors in the city.

    One of those there, Aqsa Nasar, said: "When you see people coming together, it is such an unreal and beautiful feeling.

    "I think everyone must visit it, because we celebrate Eid twice a year."

    A large group of people stand together and pose for a picture on a blue artificial sports pitch.Image source, BBC Northern Ireland
    Image caption,

    Members of Belfast's Muslim community gathered at a city sports complex

    In Belfast meanwhile, 2,000 people gathered at Newforge Sports Complex.

    Dr Ahmad Saeed, who was among that number said: "It's basically like Christmas for us, at the end of Ramadan, a very difficult a hard time for us.

    "We've accomplished it, we've gone through it successfully, so we are today grateful for it, grateful to God."

  17. 'Unity, family and calories' says worshipperpublished at 10:58 British Summer Time 31 March

    Adam Laver
    BBC News in Bradford

    Shafiq Janjua, standing outside Bradford Central MosqueImage source, Adam Laver/BBC
    Image caption,

    Shafiq Janjua has lived in Bradford for more than 30 years

    Shafiq Janjua, who has come to Bradford Central Mosque today, says Eid "gives a message of unity".

    "It's about your family and putting on calories!" he smiles.

    Mr Janjua says the BBC's broadcast today, which is a UK first, is a "good initiative".

    "There's a large number of Muslims in Great Britain - this beautiful country."

    Mr Janjua, who has lived in Bradford for more than 30 years, adds: "It's good to see the BBC here. I think it gives a good message."

  18. What can we expect during the service?published at 10:48 British Summer Time 31 March

    Shaykh Syed Ahsan and BBC reporter Humaira Bham stand in the middle of Bradford Central MosqueImage source, Jacob Tomlinson/BBC

    As viewers tune in for the broadcast (select the play icon at the top of the page from 10:50 BST), Shaykh Syed Ahsan has outlined the order of service.

    "We will begin with a recitation of the Quran, then we will have an English sermon.

    "Then we will have the Eid prayer, which will be in Arabic, then will be the khutbah delivered in Arabic [and] then we will finish with the prayer and supplication."

    He said being asked to lead the televised service was a "great honour and huge responsibility".

    "I feel a deep sense of duty not only to convey the beauty of Eid but also the shared values of peace, love and harmony that Islam teaches us."

  19. Worshippers gathering at Bradford Central Mosquepublished at 10:43 British Summer Time 31 March

    Bradford's Muslim community has been entering the city's central mosque for Eid prayers all morning.

    It can accommodate up to about 1,500 worshippers at any one time.

    There have been several services so far, with more to come including the one being transmitted by the BBC.

    Muslims gather at Bradford Central Mosque to mark EidImage source, Arzu Dutta/BBC
    Image caption,

    Eid prayers in Bradford begin on Monday - you can see the cameras and microphones primed to pick up a later service

    Muslims gather at Bradford Central Mosque to mark EidImage source, Arzu Dutta/BBC
    Image caption,

    Shaykh Syed Ahsan leads the prayers at the mosque

  20. Watch: Take a guided tour of Bradford Central Mosquepublished at 10:30 British Summer Time 31 March

    Ahead of today's live broadcast the BBC's Humaira Bham took a guided tour of Bradford Central Mosque to find out more about the building and some of the key features.