Eid-ul-Fitr / 2021 – How Can We Celebrate Amidst Lockdown?

Eid Mubarak, my lovelies!

as we bid adieu to the holiest of all months and if you feel like Ramadan went by so fast this year, it is either because your Ramadan was so productive that you did not feel the time passing by, or you were too engrossed in your worldly affairs that you did not notice the fleeting hours + days of Ramadan, at all…

either way, I pray that Allah سبحانه و تعالى accepts our fasting, our standing in prayer, our recitation and contemplation of the Qur’an, our repentance, our supplications and every other good deed we managed to perform intentionally or unintentionally, knowingly or unknowingly. may He forgive our mistakes and shortcomings, the deficiencies of our intentions and actions, our negligence of this blessed month and the times when we wronged ourselves and others, and may He give us the ability and the strength to continue on with the good habits we have developed during the past month. آمیـــــــــــــن یارب العالمین.

looking back on Eid-ul-Fitr of 2020, we were in a nationwide lockdown. a year down the road, we are once again almost back to square one as the Health Protection Agency has imposed harsh restrictions following the recent surges. even though we are in a partial lockdown, we need to be careful not to get carried away. this means that we will be missing the much anticipated Eid sermon + prayer along with the gatherings, outings and/or trips we have planned with our loved ones.

however, do not let this dishearten you. we have done this once and we can do it again, iA! gather everyone in your bubble and start the day by praying the Eid prayer at home in your own lil’ jama’ah, dressed in your best clothes. fill your mornings with the sound of takbir and laughter in your household as there is nothing stopping you from preparing and having the classical Eid breakfast, unique to your home. in mine, it consists of the ever so classical boakibas (sweet and spicy) to a wide range of teas in every flavour you can imagine.

on the day we are free to eat to our heart’s content after a month of fasting from dawn till dusk, we deserve to go heavy on the lunch. whether we choose to cook up a feast or decide to order in, we eat until your cravings are satisfied. while we are at it,  here is a gentle reminder to remember the deprived and the underprivileged. the essence of Eid is a celebration, a celebration in which we leave no one behind. while we are feasting away in our homes (Alhamdulillah), let’s not forget to donate a portion of our food and/or wealth to mend their hearts, even if it might be for a little while…

although it may seem like it would not be Eid without seeing most of our loved ones, today’s technology allows us to maintain this connection virtually. even though we are unable to exchange warm hugs, we can exchange the warmest Eid greetings and Duas. pick up your phones and your plates and get on a video call with your loved ones living afar to have your own virtual Eid feast!!!

our Prophet ﷺ told us, “give gifts and you will love one another.” as Eid comes bearing gifts, it might be a bit different during a pandemic as most of us may opt for an online gift exchange or a delivery service rather than via personal visits. therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to become extra creative and innovative with the gifts this year. surprise your neighbours and loved ones with something personal, for you or for them.

that brings me to one of the most exciting things about Eid – DRESSING UP! do I hear a majority of ladies reading this post agreeing with me in unison? yes, I do! the best part of dressing up is when you do it for yourself. I always start designing my Eid outfit months prior, making sure that it is perfect and I know for a fact that I would dress up even if I were the last person on Earth. and the best part is, its’ Sunnah! it is Sunnah of our Prophet ﷺ to adorn oneself for Eid by wearing one’s best clothes. hence, just because your Eid outings fell through is no reason to laze away in our loungewear during Eid. however, if you do, please wear the best set of pyjamas that you own.

as we await a day of rejoicing and bliss, a day of blessings and peace, we must not be oblivious to the cruelty, tyranny and hardships faced by our Muslim brothers and sisters across the globe. we have to educate ourselves, and do everything within our power to be an ally. Dua is the most powerful weapon of the Believer, so pray for Palestine. pray for Afghanistan. pray for Azerbaijan. pray for the Muslims facing persecution in China and India. pray for Iraq. pray for Jordan. pray for Lebanon. pray for Libya. pray for Somalia. pray for Sudan. pray for Syria. pray for Yemen…pray for our Ummah as a whole.