Nour Abelhafez is a junior who celebrates Eid which is the celebration of Ramadan. She expresses the importance of the celebration as it is a chance to come together and commemorate.
What does Ramadan mean to you, and how do you prepare each year?
Ramadan is about fasting, but it’s also about purifying our souls and cleaning our hearts. It’s a time for spiritual reflection and self-improvement. We don’t prepare for it in the same way we prepare for Eid, which comes right after Ramadan. For Ramadan, the focus is more on preparing ourselves spiritually. It’s about cleansing our hearts and minds.
How do you typically celebrate Eid with your family and community?
On the first day of Eid, we usually pray in congregation, often at large mosques or open spaces. After the prayer, we gather with people and celebrate by giving treats to kids and receiving money from our parents. We often buy new clothes for Eid, but if that’s not possible, we wear our nicest clothes. Afterward, we spend time with family and friends, enjoying meals together. When we’re outside our home countries, we usually gather with the local Muslim community to celebrate.
What would be the ultimate “Eid gift” for you?
During Eid, we often give each other treats, snacks, and gifts, including money. The act of gift-giving is a way to show love and strengthen our connections with each other, as Eid is all about coming together and celebrating as a community. Giving gifts is also a tradition that the Prophet Muhammad practiced, and we follow his example. It’s a meaningful way to show that we care for and appreciate one another. Personally, I appreciate any gift, but the ultimate gift for me would be money or clothes
What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you during Eid celebrations?
Oh, I remember a time! So, during Eid, gifts are usually given to kids, right? I was a bit older at the time, maybe around 14 or 15, and when everyone was giving gifts, I went to take one too. But they told me the gifts were only for the younger children. I felt really embarrassed, but looking back now, it’s kind of funny.
If you could spend Eid anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
When I came to America, I felt a bit disconnected. In Japan, we would often gather with family and friends, travel together, and share experiences. But here, it’s not as common. Although there are still community activities, like gatherings in parks or large public spaces, it’s not the same. That’s why I miss celebrating in my home country, where we come together for feasts and truly connect.
What are some traditional customs and foods associated with celebrating Eid in your culture?
As an Egyptian, one of my favorite foods during Eid is kahk, which are biscuits covered in powdered sugar. We also have many different types of cookies, and while I can’t describe all of them, we decorate them beautifully. In some other countries, people make ma’amoul, which is a biscuit filled with a date paste. It’s very popular in the Middle East.
Traditions during Eid include buying new clothes, gathering with family and friends, and sharing meals with sweets. But what I love the most is when I go to the mosque. After the prayer, we greet each other with Eid Mubarak (which means “Blessed Eid”). We often greet people with a kiss on the cheek, and it’s a special moment, especially if I run into an old friend I haven’t seen in a long time. That connection with others is definitely my favorite part of Eid.