Eid Al Adha through the eyes of youth in UAE

Dubai - Beyond receiving Eidiya as goodwill presents and gifts from their elders, these kids also have pure and sterling views of what Eid means to them.

They're all dressed in their new clothes, going around visiting friends and relatives, sharing Eid greetings and exchanging gifts. This time of the year, without a doubt, is one of their most anticipated happy occasions.
 
But beyond receiving Eidiya as goodwill presents and gifts from their elders, these kids also have pure and sterling views of what Eid means to them.  Muslims and non-Muslim kids are one in saying that the occasion is intended for enjoyment, family reunions and feasting. It is more than giving and receiving gifts but also doing charity and caring for others.
 
Likewise, the anticipation for Eid is very high on them. "Eid is one of the most awaited occasions of the year for me," 11-year-old Indian girl Mishal Faraz told Khaleej Times on Wednesday.
 
"At the beginning of each year in January, when we get new calendars, the first thing I do is to mark the tentative dates for both Eids (Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha). For me the day symbolises happiness, positivity, togetherness and sharing," Mishal shared.
 
"A couple of days before Eid, my brother and I helped our mother with grocery shopping and cleaning the house. On the day of Eid, we woke up early for our prayers and then got ready in our new festive clothes. The rest of the day was spent welcoming guests to our home or visiting friends and family. What I love most about Eid is the continuous socialising. Our home and all those we visited are resplendent with love and warmth," she added.
 
Like any other kids, Mishal and her eight-year-old brother, Mir, have also received Eidiya.
 
"One thing which is like a custom in our house is to put half of our Eidiya in a charity box," said Mishal.
Her brother Mir added: "Eid for me is a day which brings unlimited joy and happiness. It's fun to go to different houses and be welcomed with so much love. Also, after we put half of our Eidiyas in the charity boxes, our parents take us to our favourite shops so that we can buy our Eid gifts. If there's time at the end of the day, we go for a movie. Overall for me, Eid is a day full of smiles, hugs, delicacies and gifts."
Indian teen and a budding artist, Jenson Renji, 13, who is a Christian and whose family is from Kerala, also celebrated Eid in his own way. "Eid is about doing charity and this year I've put up one of my paintings for auction and the proceeds will be donated to a charity fund for the rehabilitation of my hometown in Kerala," he said.
For seven-year-old Emirati-Filipino, Noor Mohamed Al Mahdi Lari, "Eid means family."
"We got to see all the family members, relatives and friends. Then we kissed our grandparents. Our aunts and uncles gave us gifts. My cousins and I played and had fun. During Eid we usually travel abroad. This year, we are not traveling outside the country but we have booked a 'staycation' in Abu Dhabi," added the Grade 3 student at the Australian International School.
Australian boy, Humza Masood, 11, is also celebrating Eid with his family. "Eid is a very special occasion for everyone. Kids are aware of the reasons for celebrating Eid.  Eid excitement starts weeks in advance when we start planning and kids start counting each day for the big day. This Eid is even more special as grandparents will also join. Everyone in the house including Adam, Humza and Aleeza woke up early in the morning to go to the mosque to offer Eid prayers. All of us had breakfast together. Grandparents gave Eidiya to kids and all of us took an animal for sacrifice soon after breakfast," shared the Grade 8 student at Dubai International Academy (DIA).
Meanwhile, 9-year-old Malaysian boy, Adam Rayyan Omar, who arrived in Dubai with his parents a couple of months ago, said: "I'm happy despite being new in Dubai but at the same time I feel sad because I can't celebrate Eid with my Uwan and Pokchu at my Wan Teh's house. I also miss riding bicycle at my Uwan Ijok's house."
Indonesian teen, Algorizmi Prasetyo, 15, for his part said: "Eid Al Adha means celebration of Allah's blessing for our obedience to Allah and to our parents. I celebrated it by attending a gathering in Indonesian Consulate General and meeting some friends."
Moreover, Indonesian kids Bunga Salwa, 13, and Muhammad Rais, 11, shared: "Eid is a day where everyone forgives each other and gather with family and friends. Eid is also the time we enjoy Indonesian traditional food.
"And, this year, we have also donated to charity for those affected by the recent earthquake in Lombok (island-resort in Indonesia)," they added.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai