Dr Aminah Mirza, a trainee GP and member of our Medical Team, shares what Eid ul Fitr means to her. From the excitement of moon sighting and special prayers, to sharing food, gifts, and laughter with family and friends, Aminah reflects on the joy, gratitude, and connection that make this celebration so meaningful.
Eid ul Fitr has always been one of the most special
times of the year for me. As Muslims, we celebrate two Eids (Eid Ul Fitr and
Eid Al Adha), and this one comes right after the blessed month of Ramadan.
There’s always a sense of excitement as Ramadan comes to an end, but also a
little sadness knowing such a beautiful month is leaving. We wait eagerly for
the moon to be sighted, because that’s how we know Eid has arrived.
The night before Eid, known as Laylatul Eid, is something I’ve come to appreciate more over time. It’s a night full of blessings and rewards, and even though there’s excitement in the air, it’s also a time to make dua, pray, and try to hold onto the goodness we built during Ramadan. It reminds me not to lose the connection with Allah (SWT) that Ramadan helped strengthen.
On the day of Eid, everything feels different. We wake up early, get ready, and wear our best or new clothes. There’s always something sweet to eat before heading out, in our house we have sweet vermecilli and then we go to the mosque for the Eid prayer. In the Hanafi school, the Eid prayer is wajib, so it feels like an important and meaningful start to the day. Before all of this, we make sure that charity, Zakat al-Fitr, is given so that everyone can share in the joy of Eid. It also feels slightly strange being able to eat during the day after a month of fasting.
After the prayer, the real celebrations begin. For me, Eid is all about family and togetherness. In our home, we host a big family lunch, and there’s always so much food, honestly, more than we could ever need! Then we spend the rest of the day visiting friends and relatives, catching up, laughing, and just enjoying being together. We exchange gifts, and everywhere you go, you hear “Eid Mubarak” along with the beautiful dua, “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum”; may Allah accept from us and from you, which definitely makes the day feel even more meaningful.
Even with all the celebration, Eid is also a reminder. It reminds me of everything Ramadan taught me; patience, gratitude, and being mindful of others. I try to carry those lessons forward instead of leaving them behind with the month.
Eid ul Fitr is more than just a celebration for me, it’s a feeling of happiness, gratitude, and connection. I pray that we are all able to witness many more Ramadans and praying for everyone around the world. Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating!
Thank you to the Hospice once again for allowing me to share what Eid means to me.
Aminah
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