Fatima Raza Hassan
As Ramadan ends, Muslims worldwide prepare for Eid al-Fitr, a time of prayer, gratitude, and community. Marking Shawwal’s first day, Eid brings festive gatherings, charity, and reflection. Amid global challenges, it reinforces faith, resilience, and generosity. This article explores personal celebrations and reflections on this special occasion.
Yusuf Faisal, 19, Student, Brunel University
This month, I have experienced the physical challenge of abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. While hunger can be a significant aspect of fasting, it often serves a greater purpose, pushing myself to reflect on my spirituality and connection to my faith. The sensation of hunger can foster empathy for those who are less fortunate, encouraging a sense of community and compassion. As the days progress, the act of fasting transforms from mere abstinence to a time of deep reflection, prayer, and gratitude, allowing myself and other individuals to grow as a person and become more mindful of their actions.
As Ramadan comes to a close, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr marks a joyous occasion filled with gratitude and community. However, this celebration is not only about feasting and festivities with close relatives but also about giving thanks through prayers and acts of charity – paying zakat.
Zainab Hassan, 16, A Levels Student
This Ramadan has been one of the most spiritually fulfilling experiences of my life. Despite the hunger and thirst that inevitably come with fasting, I found myself embracing the challenge with a sense of gratitude and inner strength. Rather than focusing on what I lacked, I used each moment to reflect, pray, and strengthen my connection with God. The long hours without food and water served as a reminder of my dependence on Him, and I felt truly at peace. There was a sense of clarity in my prayers, a newfound patience in my daily interactions, and a deeper appreciation for the blessings I often take for granted. This Ramadan was not just about abstaining from food—it was about cleansing my soul, resetting my intentions, and drawing closer to my faith.
As Ramadan comes to an end, I am looking forward to celebrating Eid with my family and community. The morning will begin with Eid prayers at my local mosque, where I’ll stand side by side with others, feeling the warmth of unity and joy. After that, my family and I will gather for a special breakfast, sharing laughter and catching up over a spread of traditional dishes. Later in the day, we will visit the graveyard to pay our respects to loved ones who are no longer with us, making dua for them and reflecting on the fleeting nature of life. The rest of the day will be filled with visits to relatives, exchanging gifts, and embracing the festive spirit that makes Eid so special. After a month of spiritual growth, Eid feels like a beautiful reward—one that reminds me of the importance of faith, family, and gratitude.
Ismail Habib, 20, IT engineer, London
Ramadhan, for me, is a time filled with quiet moments of spirituality and growth. Waking up for suhoor makes for a peaceful start to the day, and fasting teaches us patience and gratitude. The hunger and thirst remind us of those less fortunate, pushing me to be more charitable and mindful of Allah. Breaking the fast at iftar with my family is always special—it’s not just about the food, but the sense of togetherness and accomplishment. This brings us into the nights, which I try to spend in prayer and reflection, helping me feel closer to Allah and more grounded in my faith.
Eid al-Fitr is the joyful reward after a month of discipline. The day begins with the Eid Salaah, a communal prayer that fills me with a sense of unity and gratitude for the blessing of being granted another Ramadan, but also a sense of sadness to see it go. After which, time is spent with family, enjoying meals and laughter at gatherings. For me, Eid is a celebration of community and the lessons learned during Ramadan, a reminder to carry that spirit of gratitude, connection, and taqwa [God consciousness] throughout the year.
Sakina Karim, 19, Student Teacher
Fasting during this blessed month has been a deeply spiritual journey, bringing me closer to Allah and strengthening my connection with Islam. It has been a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by those less fortunate, especially our brothers and sisters in Palestine. This experience has reinforced my gratitude for the blessings I have, while also deepening my empathy for those who endure this hardship daily. One of the most fulfilling aspects of this Ramadan has been my time at the mosque, teaching children about our faith. Watching their curiosity and understanding grow has been incredibly rewarding, as it not only brings them closer to Islam but also strengthens my own faith.
As Eid approaches, I am looking forward to celebrating with my family and friends, spending meaningful time together, and enjoying the day. This is a time to reflect, be grateful, and thank Allah for all the blessings in my life. But Eid is not just about celebration – it is also a time to remember and pray for those who are struggling. I want to keep them in my prayers and do what I can to help. Along with the joy of Eid, I hope to carry forward the spiritual growth I have gained during Ramadan, continuing to strengthen my connection with Allah beyond this month.
Kaiser Chaudery, 18, gap year
The most fulfilling experience of Ramadan is being able to share important reminders at iftars, touching the hearts of the believers and helping them fall in love with the deen. Eid is a very blessed day, where we go to community prayers in the park, followed by exquisite food provided generously by the masjid, going to families for brunch, and visiting a close neighbour for an afternoon meal, where we share our experiences throughout Ramadan and those who were unable to reach this Eid. I am blessed to have revert friends, and I do my best to help them feel the spirit of Eid, and I head to Southall with them to enjoy a nice dinner.
Dua Zainabi, 22, Aberdeen
Ramadan is one of the most spiritual and meaningful times of the year, especially for Muslim students living away from home. As a university student, I find it to be a month filled with reflection, growth, and community. The vibes are truly immaculate — there’s a strong sense of peace, purpose, and togetherness. Fasting from dawn to sunset is only one part of it; Interestingly, hunger isn’t the hardest thing to deal with, it’s the emotional discipline that’s tougher, you have to set yourself goals throughout the month.
From my perspective, this month is about abstaining from bad habits, controlling your emotions, and striving to become a better version of yourself each day.
Zeeshan, 19, Los Angeles
This Ramadan was truly a month full of blessings, reflection, and growth. Fasting each day brought moments of hunger and thirst, but it also brought a deeper understanding of gratitude. Feeling that emptiness reminded me of those who face it every day, and it pushed me to be more generous and mindful. More than anything, this month helped cleanse not just the body, but the heart.
Photo: Yusuf Faisal, Zainab Hassan, Kaiser Chaudery, Ismail Habib, Sakina Karim and Zeeshan share what Eid means to them.
