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Knowing when to put oneself first is just as important to me as eating well. Because when you’re feeling good, you're more likely to be loving, grounded, and poised in your work. Above all, you’re a better friend to everyone. 



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Eid Al Fitr Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

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No Eid prayer was performed during Raya' headlines flooded my Google feed recently – bold, glaring, and saddening on so many levels. On top of that, the minister of religious affairs on TV decided Eid was canceled as the crescent moon had not seemingly become visible yet (Muslims call it Hilal or Al Hilal – a crescent moon marking the beginning of the month according to the Islamic calendar). As a result, the festival was delayed until the following day.

This was the new normal Raya I got to embrace amidst COVID-dictated protocols. Homecoming was banned. Get-togethers were banned.

“There should be no open house, homecoming, or Eid prayer this year. This is tough indeed, but we must fight against it together,” our head of state wrote many hours ago on his official Instagram account.

It was, therefore, obvious we could not celebrate Eid Al Fitr the way we used to. The uncertain pandemic situation had also impacted the way we performed Ibadah.

When our way of worship shifted

That morning, the lack of sleep had made it difficult for me to decide whether to perform Eid Salāt. First and foremost, I wanted my Ibadah to be good enough this year, and what if the ban was the divine testing us?

Alas, the pandemic had indeed altered our common approach to worship.

Apart from this, however, my dad was asked to deliver the khutbah, so it was highly unlikely that I wouldn't perform Salāt together with other folks in the neighborhood. After all, Eid Al Fitr wouldn't feel complete without practicing the sunnah prayer. Therefore, I hurriedly went to the field to perform Salāt, as nearby mosques were closing.

Of course, it was sad, but I didn't want to be upset about it, considering that many others were facing greater hardships.

The world we lived in was struggling. My heart sank as I watched many folks out there even losing their jobs.

Iftar gathering is gold

There used to be Iftar with family, and there were these Iftar meals with a bunch of our former collegians, out-of-radar high school friends, or colleagues. And while I often ditched the latter when I could, these days with the pandemic overshadowing us, I longed for it more than ever. In fact, I was not among the rare few who missed Iftar gatherings as we Muslims across the globe were facing the same issue this year: the COVID-19 pandemic.

Silver lining

On a more positive note, however, I saw the rainbow appearing right before my eyes on the day of Eid. In my lens, it seemed like a sign from the Almighty. As Allah had promised ease after hardship in the Quraan, this rainbow somehow sparked hope in me.

Sooner than we think, we will get our normal lives back, and sure there will always be a lesson behind the trying times.

That technicolor rainbow will feast our eyes again once and for all.