Tasnia Shahrin
The upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr has got to be the most different one and given the pandemic — the one with most difficulties as well. The pandemic does not seem to stop its cruelty as the world is approaching towards the blissful day of Eid. But that does not mean Muslims around the world will not celebrate this day, as it is considered a blessing from Allah (SWT). With the same religion in different cultures, here is how Eid-ul-Fitr 2020 will be celebrated by Muslims around the world during this lockdown.
Manchester, England:
When asked Afrin Akhter, a Bangladeshi citizen living in England, she says, “The place where we live – the south Manchester suburb is normally a busy spot during festival celebrations. But as Ramadan comes to an end, police have warned people that they must stick with social distancing rules as the UK works to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic. It makes me slightly sad as I have had a child recently and her first Eid will be under lockdown, but safety always comes first. To celebrate Eid, I have planned to make tiramisu which is my husband’s favourite dessert. I also plan on donating some Pounds on behalf of my daughter, as it is her first salaami.”
Uganda:
Mukisa Bwanbale currently studies in a Bangladeshi university but luckily managed to reach his motherland, Uganda, before COVID-19 was declared as a global pandemic. He feels really lucky to be able to spend Eid with his family and says, “We will be celebrating Eid at our precious home and strictly follow the guidelines set by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. We will be cooking traditional food, but I will also attempt to cook Shemai for my parents and aunts as I have learnt it during my stay in Dhaka.”
Canada:
“Eid-Ul-Fitr for the Muslim community in Canada involves waking up early and praying either at an outdoor prayer ground or a mosque. However, this year with the uncertainty, none will be able to continue this tradition,” says Ikraam Hussain who is currently doing his Ph.D. in Canada. He lives near Ontario and says, “Mosques across Ontario are trying to save Eid celebrations as best they can during the pandemic, with some opting for drive-thru gift handouts while others plan to arrange and gather online prayers. It is definitely a tough time, but I still plan to make the most of it as Eid is a beautiful day of blessings.”
Abu Dhabi, UAE:
With an inspiring positive attitude, a government-officer in Dubai who wishes to stay anonymous says that, “Eid is definitely a day to celebrate with others but it is also a day to make lots of prayers. As it is a gift from Allah to us – nothing can stop us from thanking Him through our prayers. I wish I could spend this holy day with my family living in Bangladesh, but I will definitely remember them in my prayers. As for Eid in Abu Dhabi, there will be a TV broadcast of prayers at mosques 10 minutes before the time of Eid prayers, after which everyone should pray at home.”
Tasnia is a proud Slytherin who loves binging on poetry and graphic novels in her free time.