COVID-19: Muslims urged to remain cautious during Eid as global celebrations muted by pandemic |

One of Britain’s leading imams has urged Muslims not to “drop the ball” and observe COVID restrictions on mixing indoors and hugging as Eid celebrations begin.

Qari Asim, chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, said it would be “excruciatingly painful” to celebrate Eid without gathering in numbers and embracing loved ones – especially as the major relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions is just a few days away.

But he urged everyone to “take that one extra step” to ensure people’s safety before restrictions are fully…