eid mubarak

ramadan has come to an end, and it must have been the busiest ramadan i've had. just an alignment of events all happening at the same time, which i couldn't seem to avoid. even tonight, i've been running around collecting signatures for a WEL energy trust funding application which i have to drop in some time tomorrow.

but other than that, i'll be putting everything aside and celebrating eid. so eid mubarak to all my friends and family. i hope the month of ramadan has been a successful one for my muslim friends, and a time of reflection and peace. even though eid is a celebration, there is a certain sadness that comes with ramadan being over.

non-muslims might find that strange, since having no food or drink during the day seems so strenuous. but there is really so much more to ramadan - the social aspects, the spiritual aspects. i've been trying to moderate my behaviour (though obviously had a big fail during the pak'save incident), and focus on swallowing my anger and doing the right thing. for some strange reason, it has actually been an incredibly provoking month. but things seem to be settling down, with some positive outcomes so i can't complain.

but yes, i'll miss the prayers at the mosque at night, the regular meeting of friends over good food, the absence of tv and the increased reflection. i think doing the poverty workshop really helped with my reflection, as did this post by maia at the hand mirror. of course one of the points of ramadan is to carry on with the good habits you develop over the month, and incorporate them into your daily life. but somehow that doesn't happen - i think there's just a special blessing over this month that makes it easier to be the person you want to be.

the new day starts at sunset for muslims, so eid has started tonight. we will have prayers tomorrow morning 8am, and then will spend the day visiting friends and being visited by them. usually the celebration lasts over a few days, since one day is never enough to get around to everyone. and because we have such a multi-cultural community, there is a real variety of food to try. as well as that, we all have new clothes. the celebration, in full, is called eid-ul-fitr, and the "fitr" part of it is where we give a sum of money to be distributed to those in need, so that everyone can have new things.

so while many of you are busy at paid or unpaid work tomorrow, i hope you won't mind us celebrating after a month of self-deprivation. and for those who know me, feel free to drop by.