This September 12th, 2016 was the Islamic holy religious three day event of Eid-ul Adha. This day marks the End of the annual Hajj to Mecca for Muslims. It commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only born young son in obedience from the command of God. These three days of Eid are an important part of bringing family, harmony, and a glorious feasting together in any practicing Muslim household
My Eid as a former immigrant from a Muslim majority nation where it is treated as a national three day holiday, was spend going to University to attend a laboratory class.I love the my religious holidays. But, hate not having had anything planned to celebrate them. My dad was able to attend the ceremonial 9am prayers fro Eid at the local mosque. My mother as usual ate her breakfast, dressed up, and went to her work. I went to my class in the searing Tampa heat.
The funny part is, I'm the least traditional out of my whole family. And yet I was the most annoyed at the eroding of my childhood cultural practices that have been taking place far too often since me and my family's move to America. I was dressed in a quasi bum-hipster gear, sporting a romper with comfy granny friendly shoes for my lab on first day of Eid.
My hair was filthy from not having washed it for a few days. My skin was definitely breaking out in acne. And for all my desires to not look or feel like a slob, I felt like an edgy grungy fashionista who needs a good shampoo.
I refused to let my day pass off in the same college haze of going from class to my car to trudging through traffic and then home. My instagram and facebook feed was filled with my other Muslim friends smiling, dressed in flamboyant festive gear, and taking pictures outside their local mosques. I could have taken this day off, but since my family wasn't doing anything I opted to attend my laboratory session instead.
What I did do on Eid was grab my best mate and hit the local sushi place with all you can eat lunch menu that included sushi, appetizers, hibachi, and other lunch specials all of $11.99. We gorged and gorged on endless sushi. Then I went home and prepared for an exam on Tuesday.
I don't dislike Eid in America. I dislike how so much more effort has to be made to be cognizant of a minority religious holiday for the celebrators.
To celebrate it and yet not fall behind on work or school is a personal choice. Even though America has made strides in allowing people leeway in celebrating their religious holidays, but perhaps a millennial like me needs to decide how much of my background and culture I want to be a part of in a fast paced secular nation like America.
Until next Eid, without messy hair, and freshly laundered clothes.It will be better planned and better spent - rant over
