Impact of family in a community

Hi, there! Eid Mubarak to all those who are celebrating. This festive occasion, observed both in the Netherlands and worldwide, provided a beautiful opportunity for connection and shared jubilation. Walking through the streets, I found myself immersed in the Eid festivities, surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds united by our common Muslim faith. Despite language and cultural differences, there was still a strong sense of togetherness felt. And this got me thinking about how much impact a family in a community has around you and this is something I want to talk about today, but first..

Weekly Inventory Check

For Muslims, Eid stands out as a unique exception. It's a time when all bets are off, and any rigid routines or reservations are cast aside. Personally, even while in Japan, I had disrupted my usual rhythm. And when I returned back, we were very close to Eid so getting back to the usual routine was not seamless but it’s okay. Eid grants us permission to indulge in the joyous camaraderie it offers. What’s important here is to focus on building momentum for the upcoming month to get back on track.

Impact of Family in a Community

This is a very touchy topic for me as every year, I celebrate religious occasions away from family as the timings don’t match. This year around, I am feeling even more sensitive because it’s the first such occasion, which we call Eid, for our daughter. Eid is a time of families gathering together and celebrating. Reflecting on the significance of community and family during such celebrations, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. The tradition of gathering, dressing up, visiting loved ones, indulging in festive foods, and exchanging gifts were things that my daughter, wife and I couldn’t experience in a wholesome manner. All of my family had even gathered in Saudi Arabia right before Eid. Hence, I was just feeling very emotional about the whole situation.  

As we strive to build a community here in the Netherlands, we can't deny the importance of having loved ones who always have our backs. Seeing our daughter thrilled in her first traditional outfit brought us joy too. But even with us all together, there's a bit of loneliness. Our family feels small compared to the big gatherings we were used to in Pakistan. Seeing others celebrating with their large families only made us miss ours more. Even though we had an amazing Eid, especially since it was our first one with our daughter, I can't stop imagining how much better it would have been with more family by our side.

Even when we were in Japan, we saw smaller families, but we also witnessed bigger groups of families that went out for picnics for some quality time - with kids running around, and all others enjoying food and good views. 

This experience made me realize that I am the kind of person who craves the presence of family, friends, and a larger community during such occasions. Despite missing everyone dearly, we made the most of Eid. My wife's efforts to lift my spirits were invaluable, and I'm grateful for her support. This experience taught me a lot about myself. Although I've always been independent and moved frequently, I now see the importance of building a stable community. While it may be challenging, having a sense of belonging is essential.

Thoughts to Leave You With

As I contemplate future Eids, I'm resolved to plan these occasions in such a way that I can spend this time while being closer to the family. This realization stems from the poignant experience of feeling their absence during previous festivities. I understand now the profound significance of sharing these moments with loved ones. Therefore, I will ensure that future Eids are filled with the warmth and joy that only family can bring.