Celebrate Eid Al Fitr
The holy month of Ramadan is ending, and families are wondering how to celebrate Eid Al Fitr during this pandemic.
COVID-19 has changed our lifestyle to what is known worldwide as the new normal. While most countries are still on lockdown and people are practicing social distancing, we are not letting go of our precious Eid Al Fitr. Let's celebrate Eid Al Fitr this year in an unforgettable way.
After all, Eid is our reward from God after spending 30 days of spiritual retreat in Ramadan.
Six ways to celebrate Eid Al Fitr at home during the lockdown
1. Start the night before
The blessings of Eid don’t begin on Eid morning. It starts the night before Eid. During your Eid preparations, take the time to make a long dua that Allah accepts your Ramadan efforts and that it won’t be rejected, Insha’ Allah.
2. Be responsible
While it can be very tempting to meet our family and friends during Eid Al Fitr, many faith leaders worldwide have agreed that self-isolation and social distancing is an obligation and duty for the health and safety of our nation.
Hence, Ramadan rituals and daily congregation prayers have been suspended. The good news is that it seems to be working. Countries that have rigidly practiced social distancing are seeing noticeable results in containing COVID-19 among their citizens. As a result of people following the guidelines, they are slowly starting to open up.
3. Celebrate Virtually
We have seen an evolution in mosque services during Ramadan, from online lessons and broadcasting of Friday sermons to virtual iftars and automated donations.
This year, many mosques have announced a memorable Eid Al Fitr virtual celebration for families and children. Online takbir, family and kids' friendly shows, Eid crafts and baking classes, and much more have been planned.
You can search online to find a virtual celebration that matches your time zone and gather all your family members to enjoy it.
4. Connect with your loved ones
While we can not be physically present together due to the lockdown, we are privileged to have various online communication platforms to host our family and friends.
Arrange with your family members or friends to meet online to chat and have joy.
5. Create excitement at home
Celebrate Eid Al Fitr in a memorable way with your family. Start a visual countdown for Eid. You can decorate your home together, cook or bake special cookies, or make cards for each other while reciting or listening to Takbeer.
You can surprise younger children in the morning to wake up to a colourful balloon party.
You could also gather together for board games, some family competitions, or have a walk around the block and practice the sunnah of smiling at others.
“Holy Prophet came to Madinah; the people had two days in which they used to entertain and amuse themselves. He asked: “What are these two days?” They said: “We used to amuse ourselves and take pleasure in these two days during the Days of Ignorance (jahiliyyah). The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah has substituted for you something better than these two; the Eid of Adha (sacrifice) and the Eid of Fitr.”
[Sunan Abi Dawood]
6. Share the happiness
There are various acts you can do to bring joy to others.
Have everyone go through their clothes and toys (for kids) to find items they have outgrown. Then, please arrange to have them sold and give the money to a local Masjid or community fundraising event or directly donate them to those who need them.
عن عبد الله بن عمر عن النبي (ص): أَحَبُّ الناسِ إلى اللهِ أنفعُهم للناسِ ، وأَحَبُّ الأعمالِ إلى اللهِ عزَّ وجلَّ سرورٌ تُدخِلُه على مسلمٍ ، تَكشِفُ عنه كُربةً ، أو تقضِي عنه دَيْنًا ، أو تَطرُدُ عنه جوعًا ، ولأَنْ أمشيَ مع أخٍ في حاجةٍ ؛ أَحَبُّ إليَّ من أن اعتكِفَ في هذا المسجدِ يعني مسجدَ المدينةِ شهرًا
حديث حسن
The Messenger of Allah said: “The most beloved of the people to Allah are the most beneficial for the people. The most precious of actions to Allah –Azza Wa Jal-are to cause happiness to reach a Muslim, to relieve him from hardship, to settle a debt for a Muslim, or to repel hunger from him. For me, to walk with a brother to assist him is more beloved to me than to make ‘Itikaf in this Masjid (Masjid al-Madeenah) for a month.
Sahih Al gamei 176
Another way to get your family excited about Eid is to create a vast Eid Mubarak poster and hang it on your balcony or front door for your neighbours to see, or hang it in your car and go for a ride.
While we are still staying home to protect our families and be socially responsible, we can still make this Eid Al Fitr joyful and memorable.
May your Eid be blessed and filled with joy and laughter for you and your loved ones.
