Celebrating Eid During Lockdown

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, life around the world has drifted to another direction. We are now living in what they are calling ‘The new normal’, enforcing us to experience things differently such as the holy month of Ramadan and now, Eid Al Fitr. Mosques, restaurants and other places are closed. We are all forced to stay home to protect ourselves and others around us. However, that does not mean we can celebrate. We should welcome Eid Al Fitr with open arms just as we welcomed Ramadan.

Here are a few ways celebrate Eid Al Fitr at home:

Be thankful 

The first thing to do as soon as you wake up is, get up and thank Allah for all that He has blessed you with – having family, a home and life, in general. Being alive is the best blessing in itself. It is a chance to do the best you can on this Earth and do good – whether it’s for yourself or our loved ones, the planet, or society at large –  to ensure a better life in the afterlife. Always do good. Always be grateful and thankful.

Pray Eid-Al Fitr at home

There is nothing more beautiful than praying with your family at home. So take this time to pray Eid Al Fitr prayer together and perform takbir after it. You can also watch the live stream of Eid Al Fitr from Mecca. In addition, prayers for all the loved ones who aren’t present with you today. They might need your prayers.

Pay Zakat Al Fitr

Who should pay it? It is mandatory on every Muslim man and woman, whether adult or child, whether free or slave, who owns what is more than his needs and the needs of his dependents. Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated, ‘The messenger of Allah peace be upon him prescribed Zakat Al Fitr in Ramadan, one saa’ [3 litres] of dates or barley on the free people and slaves, males and females, children and adults among the Muslims’ (Narrated by the Group). It is desirable to give it even to the fetus as Abu Qilaba, ‘It was liked to pay Zakat Al Fitr on children and adults, even on fetus’ (Narrated by Abdul-Razak with a good attribution).

That is why I encourage whoever is reading this to pay their Zakat Al Fitr only if you can. Remember, Allah knows your situation the most.

Get dressed and look your best

Getting dressed for Eid is the most exciting part of it the holiday. We can’t wait to show off our new clothes, accessories and looks to our families and friends. Thus, staying at home should not change that. Put on your favourite clothes, spray your best perfume and look your best for those at home and for those on camera. Remember, it’s a sunnah!

Connect with family and friends 

No family gatherings means no Eid celebration? Of course not! We are in the era of technology, nothing is impossible. There are many apps that offer free video calls, such as Skype, Squad, Zoom (free 40 mins), Imo, ToTok, Houseparty and so much more. Just pick up any gadget and video call your family, friends and other loved ones. It’s that easy!

Cook your favourite food 

No celebration can be counted as a celebration without food. Eid is the perfect holiday to cook all of your favourite meals, and to enjoy it and share it with others, as well. For example, send your neighbour a plate of Eid biscuits or prepare a meal for someone in need. As Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said in his first speech at Medina, “O people, exchange the greeting of peace, offer food to people, honour ties of kinship and establish prayer at night when people are asleep so that you will enter Paradise in peace’.

Bake

In Sudan, people love to bake. Nothing completes Eid without baking in a household. Khabeez (cookies/biscuits) and tea are essential on the morning of the first day of Eid. It gives you a strong, positive mood to kick off the day with. Most of us prefer baking at home while others buy it from bakeries or home-based businesses. Wherever you get it from, ensure that it’s part of your Eid this year. 

Have some indoor fun

How about a movie night? Choose one for everyone to enjoy. Or how about a game night? Play cards, word games or board games. Or get artsy and crafty! There are countless things you can do at home with family or friends to make Eid a happy occasion while staying indoors.

Stay home, stay safe

Muslims worldwide have adapted very well to staying at home during the holy month Ramadan in regards to the pandemic. Many said that it gave them more time to worship and reflect. Therefore, Eid shouldn’t be any different. Make the most of it as well. Celebrate it with all love and happiness, but stay at home. This is all for our safety and the safety of others so we can save as much lives as possible. Follow social distancing, wash your hands frequently (but not too much), and help your country terminate the disease. It can be done!

Eid Mubarak! May Allah shower you and your family with continuous blessings.

Please celebrate Eid at home and stay safe.

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Noon Ali Tayfour is a 20-year-old Respiratory Therapist, working in Al Rashid Hospital, Dubai. Writing is something she has always loved. Growing up, she was the quiet kid, so she used writing as a tool to express myself. ‘There are three things I can’t live without, Netflix, Tea and Food. Three things I live by, kindness, honesty as well as self-discipline. And three things I refrain from, hate, underestimating and comparing myself to others,’ she said.