Good News from the Middle East

5 Things To Do This Eid Al-Adha (Besides Sleeping!)

Israa Elkhatib

Another Eid down for 2016! Marking the end of Hajj, Eid Al-Adha is actually the last Eid of this year. It’s a time when Muslims all over the world celebrate for 4 days in a row. For many of us living in the Middle East, Eid is spent resisting the urge to sleep all day and indulging in sweets and ma’moul when awake. In fact, most people would jump at the chance to rock the Eid in their pj’s instead of getting dressed up in the Eid clothes they bought. Though this may be tempting, Eid is not a day to be spent like any other. So to avoid missing out on the fun and the essence of Eid, check out five things you can do during Eid Al-Adha:

  1. Participate in Eid prayer: Rise and shine people! Start your Eid the right way, which is by thanking God that you are here to participate in this day with your family and loved ones. Get up and head to your nearest mosque with your family for the prayer.
  2. Organize a family trip: On a day where family gatherings are the most important, why not organize a trip where the whole family can join in and have fun! This trip can be in any park or place that can fit the fam.
  3. Host a Eid breakfast: Bring out the hummus! Instead of waiting for people to come over, why not bring them in for breakfast in the morning, a few hours after Eid prayer? Family and friends can join together for a large breakfast and all can lend a helping hand!
  4. Ditch the PJ’s: Get up and get dressed. Put on your best clothing, it’s Eid! Even if you celebrate at home, you should do it looking your best. This will improve your mood and help you look forward to the evening, when you make your own celebration rounds.
  5. Remember those in need: Before getting caught up in the celebrations, take a moment and remember those in need, especially the refugees. The majority of these people have no family to celebrate with, so keep them in your prayers and you can even help out by donating at your local mosque.

Make this Eid Al-Adha different than the rest by making a few changes. May peace find you every year, don’t forget to leave a smile 🙂 Eid Mubarak!