Have a Blessed Eid!

Today’s the awaited Eid al-Fitr, the celebration after fasting during Ramadan. I woke up early and prepared for the prayer in Masjid Al-Ihsan, a mosque nearby my house. I ensured myself to have breakfast, even if only a cereal beverage, as it’s a recommended act of “break-fasting” the day. It is forbidden for Muslims to fast during the 1st of Shawwal. The day is meant for celebration.

Then, I put on my new Eid clothing, courtesy of my sister-in-law, and went to the mosque. I prayed and listened to the sermon, which I think is quite controversial and subject to its own post. We came back about an hour and a half later and performed our Javanese tradition of sungkeman, where we ask our parents and siblings for forgiveness. It was probably an hour or so before the guests started coming.

Yes, we have an open house. It’s an annual occurrence where guests come to celebrate Eid, have good food, forgive each other, and catch up to their latest stories. My mom said that this year’s Eid recorded the largest number of guests, more than 50 perhaps during the 10-hours event. The open house tradition is pretty much similar across different Muslim cultures. I attended such events for almost every Eid celebration back in the States.

Well, before I hit the bed, I wish every one of you a very blessed Eid, and may peace be upon you.