Eid through the eyes of kids
dubai — They’re all dressed up in their new clothes, going around visiting friends and relatives, sharing Eid greetings and exchanging gifts. This time of the year, without a doubt, is one of their most anticipated happy occasions.
But beyond receiving Eidiya (cash) as goodwill presents and gifts from their elders, these kids also have pure and laudable views on what Eid means to them. Muslim and non-Muslim children are one in saying that the occasion is intended for enjoyment, family reunions and feasting. It is not just giving and receiving gifts but also doing charity and caring for others.
Likewise, the anticipation for Eid is very high for them. “Eid is one of the most awaited occasions of the year for me,” 11-year-old Indian girl Mishal Faraz told Khaleej Times on Wednesday.
“At the beginning of each year in January, when we get new calendars, the first thing I do is mark the tentative dates for both the Eids. For me the day symbolises happiness, positivity, togetherness and sharing,” she shared.
“A couple of days before Eid, my brother and I help our mother with grocery shopping and cleaning the house. On the day of Eid, we wake up early for our prayers and then get ready in our new festive clothes. The rest of the day is spent in welcoming guests in our home or visiting friends and family. What I love best about Eid is the continuous socialising. Our home and all those we visit are resplendent with love and warmth,” she added.
Like any other kids, Mishal and her eight-year-old brother, Mir, also received Eidiya.
“One thing which is like a custom in our house is to put half of our Eidiya in a charity box in any mall we go to,” said Mishal.
Her brother Mir added: “Eid for me is a day which brings unlimited joy and happiness. It’s fun to go to different houses and be welcomed with so much love. Also, after we put half of our Eidiya in the charity boxes, our parents take us to our favourite shops so that we can buy our Eid gifts. If there’s time at the end of the day, we go for a movie. Overall, for me, Eid is a happy day full of smiles, hugs, delicacies and gifts unlimited.”
Indian teen and a budding artist Jenson Renji, 13, who is a Christian from Kerala, also celebrates Eid in his own way. “Eid is about doing charity and this year I’ve put up one of my paintings for auction and the proceeds will be donated to a charity fund for the rehabilitation of my hometown in Kerala,” he said.
For seven-year-old Emirati-Filipino Noor Mohamed Al Mahdi Lari, “Eid means family”.
“We get to see all the family members, relatives and friends. Then we kiss the grandparents. Our aunts and uncles give us gifts. My cousins and I play and have fun. During Eid, we usually travel abroad. This year, we are not travelling outside the country but we have booked a ‘staycation’ in Abu Dhabi,” added the Grade 3 student at Australian International School.
Pakistani boy Humza Masood, 11, is also celebrating Eid with his family. “Eid is a very special occasion for everyone. Kids are aware of reasons for celebrating Eid. Eid excitement starts weeks in advance when we start planning and kids start countdown for the big day. This Eid is even more special as grandparents also joined us. Everyone in the house including Adam, Humza and Aleeza woke up early in the morning to go to mosque to offer Eid prayers. All of us had breakfast together. Grandparents gave some Eidiya to kids. All of us took a animal for sacrifice soon after breakfast and before it got hot,” shared the Grade 8 student at Dubai International Academy (DIA).
Indonesian teen Algorizmi Prasetyo, 15, added: “Eid Al Adha means celebration of Allah’s blessing for our obedience to Allah and to our parents. I celebrated it by attending a gathering in Indonesian Consulate-General and meeting some friends.”
Meanwhile, Indonesian kids Bunga Salwa, 13, and Muhammad Rais, 11, said: “Eid is a day where everyone forgives each other and can gather with family and friends. Eid is also the time we enjoy Indonesian traditional food. “And, this year, we have also donated to charity for those affected by the recent earthquake in Lombok (island-resort in Indonesia),” they added.
What I love best about Eid is the continuous socialising. Our home and all those we visit are resplendent with love and warmth.”
Mishal Faraz,
11-year-old Indian
We usually travel abroad. This year, we are not travelling outside the country but we have booked a ‘staycation’ in Abu Dhabi.”
Noor Mohamed Al Mahdi Lari,
7-year-old Emirati-Filipino
Eid is about doing charity and this year I’ve put up one of my paintings for auction and the proceeds will be donated to a charity.”
Jenson Renji,
13-year-old Indian
Eid is a day where we forgive each other and can gather with family and friends. Eid is the time we enjoy Indonesian traditional food.”
Bunga Salwa,
13-year-old Indonesian