The Blessed and Cheering Eid Al-Fitr

 

 

Eid 2020 was the first time in history that we remembered when Eid Al-Fitr was celebrated in some kind of desolation. Even takbir was as if echoed in silence. Restriction was strongly applied. People were forced to stay at home and leaving town was strongly discouraged. Instead of visiting each other’s house and wishing Eid greetings, people felt unsafe to welcome any guest in their house and chose to shut their doors. Things did not much improve in Eid 2021. This dreadful experienced was caused by a teeny-weeny microscopic virus called Covid-19. Such a tiny being has been running havoc around the planet and disrupts every aspect of human life for over two years, physically, economically, emotionally, socially, and culturally

Thankfully, a hope is sparkling this year. Happiness, joy and bliss have returned in Eid 2022. The infection cases trend is decreasing significantly. As a result, the government has eased the restriction.

People are allowed to travel and leave town. Mudik, a tradition when people working in a city or over seas go back to hometown, has been resumed after a two-year hiatus. People are so excited that they finally get to see their parents, family and relatives who live in the other cities. Passengers flooded the airport, stations, and ship port. On Eid eve, takbir was heard from every corner of the cities. Some big cities like Jakarta or Bandung even held takbir festival. In other region, they had takbir carnival around the town or village.

Festival Tabuh Bedug 2022, Jakarta. 
Source: idxchannel.com

In the morning, people attended mosques excitedly. After two years, they finally could perform Eid prayer without a tight restriction. Rejoice were reflected in people’s face. We all eventually celebrate Eid with joy once again. In my village, the kinship and warmth Eid tradition re-emerged. This time, the villagers cheerfully opened their doors to welcome their neighbours coming, visiting and wishing each other a very happy Eid mubarak. Kids were the happiest of all. They walked around the village visiting from house to house. As tradition, little children will be given some money as a holiday gift. Adults who have worked usually prepare some money in Rp 2000 – Rp 5000 banknotes. It is usually brand new money that we exchange from the bank. The spirit of Eid Al-Fitr feels much more alive this year. We can’t stop being grateful to Allah for this blessed Eid. Alhamdulillah!

The spirit, joy, and festivity of Eid revive. People, particularly Muslims in this country, and I believe many parts of the world, are rejoicing to celebrate a blessed and joyful Eid once again.

Pawai Takbiran 2022
Source: seputarpapua.com

Let’s hope and pray that this Covid-19 pandemic is not only decreasing for now, but ends forever. So, the happiness and bliss of Eid will never fade and will always sparkle for eternity, and peace and safe will finally come to the world. Amiin.

The Blessed and Joyful Ramadhan

 

 

The last 2 years, the world has been crippled by covid-19. Days seem sorrow every where in this planet. All celebrating days were celebrated in gloom, no gathering, no cheers, no laughter, not even smiles. Families are distanced apart. The only way to interact in these special days are on a few inches of screen. Ramadhan was not an exception.

In the last two years, Ramadhan came and go like an uninvited guest. It came and people did not welcome it with so much joy. When it went by, we did not even hold a proper farewell party. Restriction was applied everywhere. Most of the mosque were closed or capacity reduced. Crowds were banded. It was the most eerily quiet Ramadhan I had even seen in my life.

Fortunately, this year, hopes have bloomed. As the covid-19 case gets lower and lower, Ramadhan is nearly normal. All the mosque around the country is opened. No distance is required any more. Thus, all Muslims can perform tarawih together in the mosque. Though wearing face cover is still insisted and hygiene is highly encouraged.

Last night, Ramadhan officially announced that it would start on Sunday, April 3 2022. We all are welcoming Ramadhan with joy this year with most of the restriction are eased.

We pray and hope that Allah send His blessing through this Ramadhan and He will lift this covid-19 pandemic once and for all, so the world will heal soon, and our life will resume to a better normal.

May this Ramadhan correct all our errors as human being and be a better, wiser and kind person. May we become the human that Allah has created us and meant us to be. 

Happy Ramadhan Kareem everyone!