The Spirit of Eid
15th Ramadan – Sehri
The dining table buzzed with activity as the family and housemaids gathered for sehri. Plates of parathas, eggs, dates, and yogurt were neatly laid out. The clock's hands crept toward 4 AM, and the kitchen air carried the aroma of freshly brewed tea. As they all sat down, Mrs. Muneerah broke the morning calm with an announcement.
Mom: "Girls, get ready early after Iftar today. We're going for Eid shopping."
Aliza raised her eyebrows and exchanged a knowing glance with Alia, who couldn't contain her excitement.
Alia: "Shopping? Finally! Aapi, we're going shopping! This means shoes, clothes, bangles, perfumes..."
Aliza: "Relax, girl. You're behaving like Eid is tomorrow."
Alia shot her a playful grin, drumming her hands on the table. The mother shook her head fondly at their banter and leaned toward Aliza.
Mom: "Aliza, I want you to bring all the Eid gifts we've bought for the housemaids as well. It's time we distribute them tonight so they can enjoy Eid stress-free."
Aliza: "That's a great idea, Mom. We can clear our Zakat and Fitra obligations in one go."
Just then, Alia jumped in impatiently.
Alia: "Aapi, stop talking and eat already! I'm getting sleepy just listening to this boring stuff!"
Aliza chuckled. "Always the drama queen." Alia, unfazed, gave her signature response:
Alia: "Har ghari tayar kamran hain hum, jaise ho halat shadman hain hum."
(We are always ready, no matter the situation.)
Aliza and Mrs. Muneerah exchanged amused glances.
Mom: "Come now, finish your sehri. No more antics."
They finished eating and went to offer Fajr prayers, falling into a light sleep soon after.
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25th Ramadan – After Iftar
Mrs. Muneerah glanced at her daughters as they relaxed in the living room, scrolling through their phones. She made a decision that tonight would be special.
Mom: "Girls, come along. Let's go out for some extra shopping."
Aliza perked up. "What's the plan, Mom?"
Mom: "We're buying a surprise Eid gift for Alia."
They both snuck out without telling Alia and headed to a perfume shop downtown. After scanning the rows of elegant bottles, Aliza spotted a floral scent Alia had mentioned weeks ago.
Aliza: "This is the one she wanted."
The bottle was neatly wrapped in glossy paper, and the two hurried back home with satisfied smiles, knowing the joy it would bring.
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29th Ramadan – After Asr Prayers
In the living room, Mrs. Muneerah called for all the housemaids. They lined up eagerly, some exchanging shy glances. One by one, she handed them gifts wrapped in bright paper—clothes, shoes, and cash bonuses tucked inside small envelopes.
Mom: "Here's your Eidi. May Allah bless your Eid celebrations."
The housemaids beamed with gratitude, their eyes sparkling with joy. Aliza stood beside her mother, feeling proud of their tradition of giving.
Aliza: "This is what Eid is about—making others smile."
Her mother patted her on the back. "Indeed, it is."
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Chand Raat – After Maghrib
The streets were alive with festive energy, and the sound of excited shoppers echoed across the market. Inside their house, the family gathered for their final shopping trip of Ramadan.
Alia: "We haven't bought bangles or henna yet! We must go tonight!"
Aliza: (teasing) "Look who became a saint in ten days!"
Alia frowned. "Aapi, stop teasing me!"
They drove to the bustling bazaar, where the smell of roses and the jingling of bangles filled the air. Alia ran to the henna stall, her eyes gleaming.
Alia: "Look, Aapi! These emerald-green bangles will match my dress perfectly!"
Mom: "Girls, let's finish quickly. We need to return for the Laylat al-Jayeeza Nawafil."
After securing their last-minute purchases, they returned home, ready to immerse themselves in prayer and celebration.
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Eid Day
The morning air buzzed with the soft hum of Eid sermons from the mosque. The house was quiet, except for the occasional stirring from the kitchen. As tradition dictated, the servants were off-duty, except for Feroz, the driver.
He arrived promptly after offering Eid prayers. "Begum Sahiba, if you need anything, just let me know."
Mrs. Muneerah smiled warmly. "Have you had breakfast?"
Feroz: "Yes, I did, thank you."
She nodded, turning to her daughters. "Girls, let's get this house cleaned before breakfast."
Alia groaned dramatically. "I have a headache, Aapi. You do it."
Aliza put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Come on, baby sister. No excuses today."
Together, they tidied up the house, setting everything in order. Once satisfied, they dressed in their Eid outfits—Aliza in an elegant cream-colored dress and Alia in a vibrant maroon ensemble.
The aroma of kheer and sheer khurma drifted from the kitchen, teasing their senses. Soon, they sat down for a hearty breakfast, savoring the holiday spirit. Just as they finished, the doorbell rang.
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Visitors
Mrs. Muneerah's brother, Arif Mamoon, arrived first, accompanied by his wife and children. The house filled with cheerful greetings and laughter as the cousins exchanged gifts.
After they left, Irfan—Mrs. Muneerah's brother-in-law—came over with his family. Irfan's daughter was particularly close to Aliza, and the two embraced warmly.
Irfan: "So, Aliza, any new adventures planned?"
Aliza: (laughing) "No uncle, just trying to survive these sisters of mine!"
They all shared a meal together, filling the afternoon with conversation and laughter. By the time the guests left, exhaustion settled over the household.
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Evening Reflection
As the day wound down, the family gathered in the living room. Mrs. Muneerah reclined on the sofa, her gaze soft and contemplative.
Mom: "Eid is not just about gifts and food, but about sharing joy with those around us."
Aliza nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the day's events. Even Alia, who had been bouncing with excitement all day, now sat quietly, absorbing her mother's words.
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As night fell, they each offered their Isha prayers, hearts full of gratitude for the blessings they had received. The house, once noisy with visitors, now embraced the calm of the evening—a perfect end to a joyful Eid.