As the month of Ramadan ends and Muslims across Farnham prepare to gather for Eid Al-Fitr, I’m often asked: “What exactly is being celebrated?”

Many imagine Eid as a festival of feasting and colourful clothes, and yes, it can be these things partially. But more deeply, Eid is a moment to take stock of how far we’ve come: not just in fulfilling our obligations to God, but as individuals striving to become better neighbours, better individuals, and just better humans. The true way of celebrating this religious festival is by serving God and His creation more so than before.

Ramadan is often misunderstood as a month of restriction, but in reality, it’s a month of rejuvenation. From dawn to dusk, Muslims fast, not only from food and drink, but from anger, gossip, ego, and selfishness. It is an annual refresher course for the soul. And when Eid arrives, it is not the end of that striving, but a milestone to celebrate what progress has been made and a commitment to continue with this effort.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described the best person as the one “most beneficial to mankind.” It is why Eid begins not with consumption or merrymaking, but with charity. Fitrana, a compulsory donation given before Eid prayers, ensures that even those in need can share in the joy.

In Farnham, this spirit is brought to life by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA). I am proud to say that this Ramadan, local AMYA youth raised over £9,000 for charity, distributed more than 250 gifts to neighbours, and partnered with local food banks to help struggling families. These acts are not publicity stunts. They are acts of worship, rooted in the principle that to serve creation is to serve the Creator.

Under the guidance of His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, our youth are taught that Eid is not simply a day of celebration, as His Holiness said:

“On Eid, we ought to make a vow that we will continuously strive to fulfil the rights of God Almighty along with the rights of humankind.”

This teaching takes on a special significance today. If we dive into the harrowing story depicted in Netflix’ series Adolescence, there is a growing recognition of the challenges young men face in finding purpose and strong moral role models. Many are left drifting in a culture that values popularity over principle. But I see another story unfolding.

Through AMYA, young men are being moulded with the ethos of reformation through service. Whether it’s delivering food to the elderly, checking in on isolated neighbours, or spending their Eid visiting those less fortunate, they are finding what so many are missing: purpose. And with that purpose comes a sense of identity, belonging, and meaning to life. That identity can simply be termed as true British Muslims.

What Eid offers is not exclusive to Muslims. Its message is one that resonates far beyond the mosque walls: Share your joy by serving your neighbours and the less fortunate.

To my friends and neighbours in Farnham, whether of faith or none, I invite you to take inspiration from Eid. In a world often divided by difference, let us draw nearer through compassion and commit to spreading a little more kindness. Eid Mubarak to you all!