Monday, July 28, 2014

The joys of Ramadhan and it's Eid

With the blessed, soulful and precious month of Ramadhan ready to bid us adieu, and all of us ready to move on to life as usual with a cleaner heart, calmer mind, clearer conscience and a cured soul; there is a twitch in the heart like each year over missing the charm, grace and bliss this month possesses. The joy, solace and magic this month beholds is just beyond words to express.

It bringeth joy in its coming,
And giveth joy even in its retreat.

I miss those carefree days of childhood, when I used to scamper to our roof-top through hedges and gate-grills just to sight the appearance of the Eid's crescent. There would be no need for it. They would announce it anyway in all the mosques of the town, and it would also be known via news media, but the joy of being the first to sight and herald the pencil-thin streak of silver over twilight hinged backdrop is beyond comparison.

Though I cannot indulge in this annual ritual now, the joy prevails. But the true joy of Eid resides in sharing. Allah commands all those with convenience and who have fasted in Ramadhan to give a certain sum of money to our needy brethen in the last days of this month, so that even they can partake in the celebration of Eid, and not to dishearten any soul (any given day) esp. today.

There is also a ritual of Eidi in this occassion, according to which all the elders distribute little tokens of gift usually money to all the children of the household and neighbourhood. The kids are free to use the gifts as they like (but the elders do try to ensure they don't squander off the money). It's a joy to see the kids restless to claim their Eidi, rejoice in getting it and eager to spend it on their wish-list.

When we were younger my sister and I used pool in both our collection, and then buy something really valuable and useful stuff from it. We have bought a board of carrom, A series of Children's knowedge bank, a wonderful set of recipe book, and few more such stuffs over the years. It remains as our joint possession to this day and we still adore them all.

Eid ul Fitr is truly a harbinger of many joys, and I wish from the depths of my heart that it is celebrated with peace, harmony and joy across the globe, and all find joy in its wake.

Wishing you all a very happy, very blessed and very memorable Eid-ul-Fitr.

1 comment:

  1. Asma, in what context are you using "Eid"? I had to google it as I didn't know what the term meant. Are you referring to it as a holiday or celebration or the break of the fast or...? :) <3

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