Happy Eid! A time of celebration and gratitude
Around the world, an estimated two billion Muslims will conclude the Holy Month of Ramadan on April 9 and begin to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, which in some translations means “festival of breaking of the holy fast.”
Recently, we checked in with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) alumna Afroz Hasan, who graduated from the Faculty of Community Services in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning. In her own words, Afroz shares how she and her family have marked past Eid celebrations and what they have planned this year.
Afroz Hasan
Transportation Planner, Region of Peel
Urban and Regional Planning ’21
Afroz is a transportation planner with the Region of Peel. Her work primarily involves working on transportation policy for transit projects, as well as planning documents affecting regional interests. Outside of work, Afroz is an avid traveller and her favourite destination so far has been Turkey. She also runs a small business, Gulaab Studios on Instagram, for Islamic marriage certificates, floral jewellery and welcome signs.
How do you describe Eid to those who aren’t familiar with this religious observance?
Eid ul-Fitr is one of only two holidays that Muslims officially celebrate in the year. The best way to describe Eid is that it is like the equivalent of Easter or Christmas for a Muslim. Eid ul-Fitr comes after a spiritual and devoted month of observing Ramadan. During Ramadan we fast from food and water from sunrise to sunset for 30 days and increase our good deeds like giving to charity, helping the less fortunate and supporting our local community.
What do you wish others knew about Eid?
I wish people knew that Eid can be more than just the prescribed customs and traditions! One thing my family introduced is a fun tradition of gift giving similar to Secret Santa, but we call it “Eid Baba.” It creates more excitement for the time we have together and everyone looks forward to it!
What are your plans for Eid this year?
This year, and like always, I plan to celebrate Eid with family. In the morning, I’m looking forward to going to Eid prayer and afterwards, going to the cemetery to remember family who have passed on. We will come home afterwards and have an open house where friends, family and neighbours will visit to have breakfast. In the evening, we will get together with family to catch up, have dinner, and exchange gifts and money (also known as “eidee”). It’s always such a good time!
Afroz (rear, left) with her cousins at an Eid celebration. Photo courtesy of Afroz Hasan.
What’s your favourite Eid dish?
My favourite dish is a sweet dish that we traditionally make for Eid called Sheer Khurma! It’s a delicious, vermicelli-based pudding best served warm, topped with crushed pistachios!
Eid is also known as the “Festival of Sweets” as celebrants mark the end of Ramadan with sweet treats. Photo courtesy of Afroz Hasan.
* This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Want to share your special holiday traditions?
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