KT edit: Celebrate Eid with loved ones at home. Show them you care

This Eid will be different, but that does not mean people should stay away from their loved ones. The physical aspect of celebrations may be missing, and for some that may be a dampener. Embracing and kissing loved ones will go virtual this Eid. It won't be the same emotion, yet it will make a difference. Distance, they say, strengthens love and relationships. Online technology is the medium through which relationships can be cherished in these unprecedented times when the pandemic has changed us. It is a long way from home for millions who are stranded in different corners of the world; many in the crossroads of life. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advocated the concept of quarantine over 1,400 years ago. "If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place," he said once. This should guide us, motivate us to stay at home as we combat Covid-19. 
The viral change due to the pandemic has been so sudden that the first half of the year has whizzed past humanity in the blink of an eye. Priorities have changed. Health comes first and then food. Basic, yet true. Life's luxuries have been put on hold. They can wait for better economic times after what seems like a nightmare. Travel plans have been shelved and people have been hurt - emotionally and financially. But it is important to stay strong in these difficult times and keep up the morale for ourselves and our families. Eid reminds us about the celebrations in our hearts and what is important in life. Relationships matter. Families and community ties make us stronger. Festivals cement that bond and make us one in spirit. In fact, they lift the spirits. For many, this could be the darkest phase of their life. There is pain and decay all around us.
This Eid calls for more prayer and patience. The faithful can show their love and care for their families by being responsible and ensuring the disease doesn't spread. It would be mean staying at home and sharing gifts and meals with close family only. It would mean making video calls to loved ones through apps. Prayers can go virtual, gathering should be avoided for the safety of all.