Feature - Eid-Al-Adha

Feature
November 30, 2009
771 words

Fellowship of Faith.

At the end of the Hajj), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). The festival is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything for God, including the life of his son Ishmael. Joyous occasions such as Eid are to be spent with quality time with our family. Festivals are designed in such a way that one gets to meet everybody and perform rituals together, which in turn promotes social unity and brotherhood. As commercialization and the materialism associated of festivals increases, one often forgets the true spirit of festivals, the ties of blood.

The carefully selected sacrificial offering
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Akmel Mohammed, is the head of a family of four. This family eagerly looks forward to spending Eid together. “This is our last Eid together as a fami ly” says Fatima, the mater of the household. “My daug hter Mumtaz is getting married and this is the last time she will spend it with us.” While Akmel and his son Asad attend morning prayers and sacrifice an animal in an act known as qurbani, the women of the house clean and decorate the house, while the air is pungent with the aroma of rich festival food. The family puts on their new clothes and visit each other's homes and partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts. “It is essential that one spend Eid with their family. At prayers we usually look out for those who look like they are alone and invite them to spend Eid with us. With Mumtaz leaving, we know the value of family and we know that spending Eid alone can be difficult.”

Young and old alike deck up for the festivities
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

While a large number of people spend Eid with their families, there are an equal number spending it away from home. They are e ither new immigrants or bachelors spending the festival away from relatives and friends. Mr Qasim Yasser is a security guard in Qusais. With a family of six waiting for him in Bangladesh, he informs them with a heavy heart that he plans to spend Eid away from his family yet again. “This is my fourth year away from home. I have sent my family money and a few gifts for them to celebrate the festival. My children will call me on Eid to listen to my voice. I miss spending Eid with my family. People don’t realise how lucky they are to be able to spend this festival with their loved ones. I would rather spend it with my family but for now this will have to do.” On being asked what he misses the most about spending Eid at home, Yasser says “The Eid day feast is to die for. My wife makes the best Shahi Mutton Biriyanis and Savaya, a sweet dish made of vermicelli. ”

The hotchpotch of cultures

Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Riyaz Khan and his wife Shruti are a happily married couple who have lived in the UAE for all fifteen of their married life together. With hindu decorations hanging over their door, the doors open to an interreligious family like theirs celebrates religious festivals with a twist. “As I don’t give Qurbani, I put asi de a certain amount of money every year for the poor instead” says Khan. Khan has put a stop on the annual sacrifice as he has health issues with his back. “People are always unsure of how to wish us on religious festivals.” Says Ankita, their thirteen year old daughter, with a wry grin. “We celebrate Eid like every other Muslim family.” says Shruti. “We dress up in new clothing, we visit neighbours, my husband attends the sermons and prayers, Ankita receives Eidi. But we also have our daily puja, even on the day of Eid.” The Khans have visitors every Eid, and they sit around the table to feast on biryani and countless other delicacies as the dining table is loaded with the best of foods from both the cultures. After lunch we usually have small gatherings where we have folk songs and games for the children. The family makes it a point to visit far away relatives, and other members of family that they don’t have time to visit on other days.

Festival of color and joy
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Unfortunately, things are changing and not for the better. An increasing number of nuclear families threaten the unity and sanctity of homes. Material progress and financial independence lure individuals away from familial ties. Immigrant communities are often in a hurry to leave behind their ethnic identities. One wonders as to how these individuals fare in the constant tug of war between materialism and religious ethnic ties.