Ramadan is officially over and with it comes Eid Fitr 2020. This year’s Ramadan has been weird and that’s putting it mildly. For many Muslims, Eid Fitr is usually a glorious celebration where you get to bond with family and friends and generally chill. With Miss Rona around, there isn’t going to be any of that this year.
Worried about how people may be feeling, we asked 5 Muslims their plans for this years Eid.
Hussein.
“Well, to me, it’s just like any other day. That means I am going to be at work. No holiday for me because I work as a doctor. I’ll probably order food from one of these vendors and try to recreate that feeling of community with my co-workers. Apart from that, I have no other plans.”
Hameedah.
I am just going to cook, eat, and talk to my family over the phone. I stay in Abuja because of work. During Eid, I’d normally come down to Lagos to catch up with them. However, none of that this year. I have to just make do to talking to my people over the phone. I feel so so lonely being far away from them. Whatsapp call can’t replace a warm hug from people who love you unconditionally but Alhamdulilah for that option.”
Lateefah.
“Omo, in my house nothing has changed. We are still killing ram as usual. The main courses are still Jollof rice and pounded yam. The only difference is that we won’t invite neighbours to the house.”
Ahmed.
“Since we can’t pray at the mosque this year, I am going to lead the prayers at home. I had to learn how to lead the Eid prayers. My house people think I am one Alfa so they are looking to me to lead them. I have never had any reason to learn how to. I have spent the last week learning the amount of Takbeers and the surahs to recite. I have been a nervous wreck, but I’ll figure it out. What a time to be alive.”
Maryam.
“I am happy there’s no celebration because that means I don’t have to go home to my family. I haven’t been doing this Muslim thing for a while, but, I always have to go home during these celebrations and pretend like I am still a Muslim. At least, this year, no need to pretend. For that, I am grateful.
I plan to read a book, light a blunt, and worship my body.
Have you read this? A Week In The Life Of An Imam Navigating A Zoom Ramadan During Covid-19
