What Children Want You to Know About Eid
First things first, it’s a super fun event. Wait, there are two Eids, so super fun events. And, we thought who better to tell you about these amazing festivals than children, who make it the “funnest.”
But, before we head to the little ones, a bit about Eid. Celebrated by over a billion Muslims around the world, the word “Eid” means “recurring happiness,” in Arabic. The first one is Eid-ul-Fitar, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The second one is Eid-ul-Adha, celebrated at the end of Hajj, annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Both are three-day festivals kicked off with morning congregational prayers, and observed according to cultural traditions around the world. Few staples found in every culture though are dressing up in new, or best outfits for the festivals, gifts for loved ones, often money for children, or those younger than you, and enjoying a feast with family and friends.
And, now on to the children.
Rameen Iqbal, 11, grade 7: “Eid is a lot of fun, and a time to celebrate. We visit friends, and get money for Eid-ul-Fitar. For Eid-ul-Adha, animals are slaughtered to remember Prophet Abraham’s almost sacrifice of his son, Ishmael. I find that cool. Eid gets stress off your mind, you go back to life fresh.”
Stress of an 11-year-old? Yes, still enjoying that one from smart Rameen.
Meerab Iqbal, 8, grade 4: “I get days off from school, because I’m in the Islamic School. That’s fun. Eid is the best, because I celebrate with my family and friends, and get gifts.”
Sounds like total fun.
Adam Kourani, 12, grade 7: “My whole family gets together. I have my entire Mom’s side here, cousins, uncles, aunts. Eid is great because we celebrate with friends too. We have a special breakfast party, then we go to the park and take pictures and have fun.”
Wow. Joys of having family and friends together is amazing.
Teeba Kourani, 9, grade 4: “Our whole family prays together. And, all the kids get money. I don’t know how much I got this year, but it was a lot. We play games in the park. I didn’t win anything, but my cousin won $90. The prizes and the money is not what I like best about Eid, being with my family is best. I love being with them because of the way they care for me.”
Okay. Let’s say awwwwwwww together on that.
Adil Rehman, 7, grade 3: “We have so many people visit our house, and I play with my friends. We wear fancy outfits from Pakistan. It’s called shalwar kameez. (Shalwar is loose pants, kameez, long tunic). Everyone wears them. I also wore a fancy jacket (called Sherwani). I got a lot of money too.”
Umar Ghori, 7, grade 3: “Getting presents, loads of money was fun. I wore a Sherwani, but don’t wear it in the summer, you get hot.”
Yep, he’s funny. And, for the record summer Sherwanis exist. Though they can be hot for a seven-year-old.
Iqra Tahir, 9, grade 5: “It’s a time of gathering with other Muslims, and having fun with the family. Best part of Eid is spending time with family and friends. We pray all together in the morning. And, then visit. I like both Eids a lot.”
Savaira Mann, 13, grade 8: “Eid is a fun day, we have good food. Family and friends get together. You wake up for morning prayers, and wear your best clothes. Everyone’s happy.”
Photos above:
- Rameen (left) with her sister Meerab. The sisters are wearing beautiful Pakistani outfits for Eid
- Teeba (second from left) with friends
- Iqra Tahir (middle) with her siblings. Beautiful in her Eid outfit.
- Savaira Mann with her little brother Abdullah - all dressed for Eid
- Adam Kourani 12 years, Teeba Kourani 9 years, Hussain Kourani 2 years with their mom Wissal on Eid
- Adil in his Sherwani
- Umar Ghori talks about all the fun Eid stuff
