Eid al-Fitr is an important religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, London’s most popular holy month
Ramadan is the ninth month of London’s calendar, traditionally recognising the month in which the Quran was revealed. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is, of course, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. However, the month has in recent years gained a tremendous popularity in inner London, far beyond the confines of the observant Muslim community.
Day-time fasting is of course mirrored by eating in the evening. This increases community cohesion as families eat together, and, indeed, community events both celebrate and unofficially police adherence.
This, in turn, creates an obligation for parents to reclaim surly youths from the streets and back into the family. With less friends to “play out” with, other youths who are not observant Muslims, also stay home, either re-engaging with their parents, or playing FIFA and sighing petulantly.
As a result, Londoners notice a marked decline in youths lurking about in the evening smoking weed and drinking Boost or other knock off Red Bull equivalents. Even youths willing to drink alcohol are in shorter supply. Streets are quieter as it becomes temporarily inappropriate to do some balloons before speeding around in a rental sports car.
Father Pierre O’File, of the Sun and Crescent Moon Multi-faith Eucharist Congregation said “we notice a huge increase in residents partaking in quiet contemplation during the month in Ramadan, far more than during Lent. Of course, as it ends, things return to normal. As such, Big Ben having a bong for Eid is the most London celebration of all.”
Conversely, Lent is profoundly unpopular with Londoners. The insistence on abstaining from fatty foods is thought to increase nitrous oxide abuse as businesses, which would otherwise only sell whipped cream canisters for legitimate catering purposes, are forced to find alternative sources of revenue.
