Eid-al-Fitr is the feast observed by Muslim faithful across the world to celebrate the end of fasting, this occasion is one of the most significant in the Islamic calendar, it is a festive of gratitude to appreciate the strength and perseverance during the fasting period. Just like any important celebration, people often go all out to make the day memorable which can mean spending outrageously amid hardship in many communities. However, the principle of Islam demonstrates the importance of moderation and valuing blessings with understanding. As you both prepare for the Eid celebration, remember the importance of honouring the days ahead with kindness and in moderation.
Plan your giving
Eid is a time to reflect on the blessings of Allah and to engage in acts of charity and compassion towards each other. Eid can also put a strain on your household budget especially if you have a big family and extended members who are depending on your kindness to get through the Eid celebration. It can be difficult to let family members down, especially at a time when the act of giving to others increases your blessings in multiple folds. Planning your Eid budget by allocating money for different segments of the celebration such as food, clothing, gifts and monetary giving to charity and children who come to visit on the day can help to bring simplicity to your expenses.
Celebrate with simplicity
It is vital to practice modesty as a couple and around your children and loved ones. The traditions associated with the Eid celebration such as splashing on new clothing and accessories can put pressure on parents and set families back financially. This custom can become too excessive, creating a sense of competition, envy, and resentment among the adults and children in the extended families. The attention to materialism can take away the spiritual importance of the celebration. It is perfectly fine to wear other outfits if you cannot afford to buy a new one to wear to the congregational prayer to avoid putting yourselves in needless debt.
Encourage little acts of kindness
Observing Eid with modesty can help reduce the pressure and financial burden. Children should be encouraged to appreciate and manage the resources that the Almighty Allah has blessed their families with to avoid the feeling of entitlement and this can only happen when adults in their lives also learn to live by example. It is also a good time to encourage your children to give in their little ways by spending some of their savings to make goodie bags to share with other children in their community in the spirit of love and kindness towards one another.
Celebrate inconvenience
The state of the economy requires that you make reasonable adjustments to your plans in ways that will be beneficial to you and your loved ones. The tradition of making several trips on the day to visit loved ones may not be financially sustainable and risky too, you may want to look at the option of asking everyone to come together at a chosen family member’s house to reduce the stress of moving around. Another alternative is to hire a community room for your large family to reduce the burden on anyone while everyone brings and shares food and merry too.
Eid Mubarak!
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