As Salaamu Alaikum!
Eid-ul-Adha is a week away and preparations have started, so today we will send an email which will help you plan this day, In sha Allah. This day should not be considered as an ordinary holiday and an excuse to rest and sleep, as Muslim families we have this day as an opportunity to perform good deeds, sacrifice and educate other people including our families, our children about the importance of sacrifice and teachings of Islam.
I. Make an Eid plan this weekend. Let the whole family sit down and plan together.
II. In most Muslim countries Eid is a time for buying new clothing. It's spring time anyway.
III. Eid is a time to go on farm for udhia/qurbani and talk about Prophet Ibrahim's (peace be on Him) sacrifice.
IV. Talk about Hajj in your story night. Recount the memories of your experience or you may want to discuss when you want to go for Hajj or Umrah
V. On Hajj day talk about why millions of Muslims run between Safa and Marwa.
VI. Have an open book competition in your home about Hajj and Prophet Ibrahim (peace be on Him) with prizes for all participants.
VII. Take your children to see off an Hajji from your community or receive him or her when S/he comes back.
VIII. Involve them in loud takbirat while going and returning from the Eid Prayer.
IX. For children ages 2-8 "Take Me to the Kaba" is an excellent video choice on or before Eid.
X. For ages 8 and up, software like "Hajj & Umrah" CD-Rom might provide some new information. Such CD’s may include games.
XI. Give out a gift of any of the above items if you don't already own them.
XII. For THE collective family study verses from the Quran.
XIII. For story telling or reading a book for them, tell them the story of Ibrahim, Allah's peace and blessings be upon him.
XIV. Have 2 Eid dinners: one for the family on Eid day and one with neighbors. Or maybe you just want to share some dishes on Eid with your neighbors.
XV. What about a family trip to some place of enjoyment.
XVI. But please no TV or Movies on Eid break.
XVII. Nothing wrong with decorating the home for Eid.
XVIII. The whole family can get involved in preparing a school presentation about the Hajj, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be on Him), the Kabaa, or Eid. You would be surprised at how many Muslims don't know how central Prophet Ibrahim (peace be on Him) is to Islam.
XIX. In some parts of the Muslim world a small amount of money is given to children as Eidi. You can do that or give a small present. Please avoid the commercialism.
XX. What about helping children make gifts for one another?
XXI. What about marking Eid with a new family project? For ex. Start of a family library.
XXII. Children in need must be remembered by sharing something with them
XXIII. If you are the family member responsible for food on Eid day consult other members of the family. Consultation may help you involve them in preparation and cleanup as well.
XXIV. At Eid place, where a lot of hugging goes on, you will find some Muslims standing alone. They are either new Muslims or new immigrants without relatives and friends. Do hug them and greet them. If possible invite them to your home for a meal. Also inform them of any planned Eid celebrations at any community center.
Have a great Eid everyone. May Allah bless you with more and the best of this world and the real best in the everlasting life.Aameen!
(By Abdul Malik Mujahid)
With Best Wishes
