What will Eid al Fitr look like in 2021?
Reynolds Sandbox reporter Kennedy Vincent dives into how the Pandemic affected Muslim Holidays such as Ramadan and Eid al Fitr. Aiman Murtaza shares how her cultural roots and religious connection keeps her grounded in uncertain times.
It is the morning of Eid al Fitr, the alarm clock is ringing, and everyone is waking up. Families are getting ready, and dressing in their Sharara Suit, Kurta, and other traditional clothing. “Every year we always say, we are going to be early this year but always end up late,” Aiman Murtaza laughs. Murtaza continues, “But this year was different, this year the connection felt lost.”
Twenty one year old Murtaza, was born in Pakistan and raised in California, expresses what Eid means to her and how the holiday was different in 2020. “Eid gives me a sense of belonging to something bigger than myself. That the world has a lot more to offer than the negativity that we’re constantly surrounded by. Eid gives us a chance to look around and be grateful for our blessing, and most importantly to share our blessings with those who don’t have the same as us,” Murtaza explains.
Aiman was asked: “Why was Eid, the blessed holiday, not the same this year?” Murtaza replied, “You couldn’t go to the mosque, like you normally would. On Eid there’d be hundreds of people coming to the mosque for five prayers a day. A lot of elderly people attend the Mosque, and not only is it difficult to navigate technology; but now our community and social interactions were lost.”
Aiman’s cultural roots and religious connections keep her grounded in uncertain times such as COVID. She turns to Eid as a blessed celebration (the literal translation), because she has made it to the next Eid, this alone is a blessing and there is so much to be grateful for.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the 10th month in the Islamic/ Lunar calendar, this year it took place on May 24, 2020. Eid-al-Fitr is a month that involves fasting, worship and prayer during Ramadan. Muslims praise the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and people greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid”.
Dishes are prepared at home and gifts are given to those who are in need, and the community connects.
This year everything shifted. Some believed that the cancellation for in person prayer due to COVID meant doomsday is near. “Some people thought what have we done wrong to deserve this, but this experience is to become more grateful for the things that we do have, not in a sense that doomsday is here.” Murtaza continues, “We need to be more grateful for the things we have, our family, our loved ones, our jobs, our livelihood, our social lives.”
After prayer at the Mosque, normally you go home and finish making the food that you have been prepping a day or two ago. Big meals and smiles are always seen with families. This year, special food and visiting friends and family took a different course of action with social distancing.
The Power of Fasting as a Routine
“You break your fast on Eid wherever you are, if I’m at home I’ll eat a date, to emulate the Prophet’s actions, or if I’m at the mosque I will break my fast there. The times change based on the sunset,” Murtaza said.
Children, pregnant women, elderly, and or the sick are not expected to fast.
“Breaking your fast feels really great, everyone feels like a big family gathering together to share our blessings. This is a time for bonding. Fasting becomes less of a task and more of a routine, more focus ends up on prayer, community, family, and togetherness. While fasting is super important, we don’t view it as an ordeal, it’s more of a blessing that we get to partake in,” Murtaza said.
This once a year practice helps people to overcome all the toxic thoughts and negativities created. Fasting from food does not only involve taking a break from eating, but also cleanses the mind, body and spirit. Seeking spiritual purification is also a found benefit of fasting during Ramadan.
Ramadan fasting not only cleanses spiritually but also increases health benefits. It relaxes the organs by freeing them from toxins, purifies blood and allows tissue repair to take place. This can be seen as an annual maintenance for the body system. Overall, there is a positive effect on the body’s system.
Next Year Precautions
“I feel like people have come more to terms that this is something we have to do, social distance and attending the Mosque on Zoom. We have to take the right precautions,” Murtaza said.
In person prayer and gathering for Eid al Fitr, has shown members of the community that these are the times to sit back and show gratitude for your blessings.
“By making it to next Eid, it is so powerful and it is to be honored, that you are still here,” Murtaza said. “That in itself is a blessing that you have been given another year.”
Not only is Eid a day to seek forgiveness, peace and blessings, but in future years the Muslim community continues to pray for guidance over their lives.
The main reason for waking up early and arriving to the Mosque for prayers will remain. Whether if it is in your home or attending online practices. Eternal love, peace and guidance will be brought to you because you have made it to the next Eid al Fitr.
