-By Aisha Sambo
For Muslims all around the world, fasting in the month of Ramadan has been a sacred tradition for years, however this year has been mute due to lockdowns and movement restrictions all over the world as the risk of coronavirus remains high. Eid was just a few days away and many were getting used to the idea that this year’s celebration will be unlike any other.
There are two kinds of Eid in Islam, Eid el Fitr meaning “the Festival of Breaking the Fast” also referred to as the ‘smaller Eid’, and Eid el Adha or ‘Festival of the Sacrifice’. Eid el Fitr is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and the sighting of the moon is important for announcing the start of a new lunar month. Muslims celebrate Eid to show thankfulness to Allah for allowing them to complete their spiritual obligation by fasting, carrying out good deeds and being kind. There is the presence of a special night in Ramadan, called the ‘night of majesty’ which is considered to be better that 1,000 months. Eid is also an opportunity to be thankful to God in hopes of Him forgiving past sins and starting on a clean slate. This year, to mitigate the impact of the virus, many countries have cancelled communal events, such as the Eid prayer.
Regardless of social distancing measures enforced, Muslims can still mark the festivity and can do this through video calls, voice calls or messages. Even though most tailors may not be working fulltime, children should get a chance to wear new clothes as this will go a long way in making them happy. There is still a looming compromise on food, most families would have the tradition of getting together for a grand barbecue on Eid with friends and family, but the fowl that was meant to be roasted this year may be called off. Unlike previous years, most families this year may not be gifting dishes to loved ones either because no one can be sure of the whole process being safe. Nevertheless, some adults still take responsibility to distribute food for people who need them around their communities.
Though these are difficult times, and although not all may have the means to celebrate how they have been used to I wish for all Muslims to remember that Allah does not burden a soul with what he cannot bear, we need to trust God and His afflictions on humanity, praying that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. So to all Muslims around the world I hope this Ramadan has led you closer to God and you have forgiven those who may have wronged you as you sought forgiveness from God as well. Wishing all Muslims a blessed Eid el Fitr, may Allah accept all our prayers and fast.
Stay safe.