My Eid Gift
Umm Professional blogs
Eid is finally here …. Bringing with it a sense of renewed hope of what we as a family can achieve. Having read shelves and shelves of books on how to raise a healthy family, I feel grateful that my faith has built – in practical steps to do just that. What am I talking about? ….well there are lessons for all during Ramadan. We are programming our children for success as they live and breathe Ramadan.
- When my child accompanied us to Taraweeh salah this blessed month, she learned sabr. The whole ambiance was so breath taking that she made a conscious effort not to make a sound, and to follow the Imam as much as her little body would allow her
- While she plays with her friends, I often find her role playing the part of the Mu’adhin by calling out the adhan
- The lollipop on my pillow was a surprise treat from her. My child learned to be considerate
- As the mails full of family photographs and nasheeds fill my in-box, she has learned that as a community we network and support each other with the most beautiful greetings
- As she watched the men hurry off to the masjid and the women multi task so as not to miss any time in ibaadah, she has learned how important time management is
- Each day as iftar time neared, she would responsibly hand out equal number of dates to each family member. She understood the meaning of sharing
- When my child helped wrap Eid presents for less fortunate Muslim children, she learned to be grateful for what Allah has blessed her with
- This morning, when she gave up her Eidee to place instead in the masjid Zakah box. I was moved and teary eyed at her generosity and selflessness
In one month my child has had a comprehensive course in all the things that are most meaningful in life. She has understood our cultural strengths, she has witnessed the virtue of punctuality, the importance of anti- immediate gratification, learned to share her blessings with others and above all, she is excited about her Muslim identity. There cannot be a bigger gift than this.
And now it’s time to party…….EID MUBARAK EVERYONE!!!!
Arif Vakil said,
September 23, 2009 @ 7:56 am
Mashallah indeed! May Allah swt continue to guide all our children so that they get more and more spiritually closer to Him. Your daughter giving up her Eidi was really something. May I ask what’s her name?
Ayesha Aleem said,
September 23, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
This Eid, my greatest gift was being able to celebrate with Muslims from all over the world. With a great focus on community, Friday prayers and Ifthar parties allowed me to interact with a multicultural group, opening my mind and makineg me more accepting of people who are not exactly like me.
Haseena said,
September 25, 2009 @ 3:55 am
My 9 year old son was awarded a gift of cash by his grandparents this year in honor of his first fast in Ramadan. My younger 7 year old son was visibly upset because he was too young to fast and started to throw a fit. Seeing this my elder one gave his brother half of his money. Of course we were proud of the elder son but were a little worried about the younger one’s behavior.
Later on this month the same little one presented me and my husband 20 dollars each as an early Eid gift, randomly as we were sitting around the table. We then decided as a family to give that gift to the poor. He did so sincerely, and I could see that he learned a lesson from his elder brother and took it to heart.
Our family tradition is to take the kids to the toy store the day before Eid and let them buy presents for themselves , for a set amount of money. I find it much more fun and they learn the value of gifts, not just as wrapped boxes that magically appear. We then drive around town that evening delivering gifts to their family members and wishing them a happy Eid!
Sakeena said,
September 25, 2009 @ 6:28 am
I love the suggestions for teaching kids through experiences. These suggestions for teaching by example are great reminders. Thanks!
Akeela said,
September 28, 2009 @ 10:28 am
So true…..no amount of lecturing has an effect as teaching in a “teachable moment”. And I think that as a parent, spotting and making most of these moments is what is really challenging.
As a tradition, we visit our relatives on Eid…especially the elderly…to greet them and share their joy n happiness. Initially, the first couple of years my kids ( now 8 and 5 ) found it extremely boring. They would rather that we take them to a mall or someplace “fun”…..but with gentle nuturing and when the see and experirnce the joy and happiness in being together….they have come around to accepting it. This Eid, alhumdullillah there were no moans and sighs whwn we went out visiting!!
blogadmin said,
September 30, 2009 @ 2:10 am
Thank you all for sharing your personal stories! And it’s wonderful to hear what your family Eid traditions are