A Blessed Season: Reflections on Ramadan and the Dawn of Eid

In the gentle transition from Ramadan to Eid, I found myself reflecting on the moments that have touched my heart this Holy Month.

I’d like to share the story of young Ghaith, whose name so aptly means "rain" in Arabic and has been a constant source of inspiration to me personally. Through videos, I witnessed this young boy setting up his humble table outdoors just before iftar time, offering food, water, and laban to all those who pass by. His innocent generosity, inspired by others in the community, created ripples of blessing, true to his name, showering kindness upon everyone he comes across.

One day I decided to go visit him, and this simple act of support brought so much excitement and joy to this little boy’s face, illuminating everything around us. It was a gentle reminder of the pure spirit of giving that defines Ramadan.

Among the many meaningful encounters I have had over the course of the month was The Climate Tribe’s community event, in honour of Earth Hour, which took place at Al Sadeem Observatory. I felt a deep sense of gratitude and I was in awe of the immersive screening of the cosmos in their observation cube, but it was seeing Jupiter through the lens of their telescope that moved something in me.

How small we are - our fleeting lives are mere moments compared to the light distance between us and these celestial bodies. I was grateful to be able to take a beautiful photo of the Pleaides, known as Al Thuraya in Arabic, captured by the team at the observatory - a testimony to their work in preserving our connection to these celestial wonders, the very same light my ancestors used to navigate on this land.

As the sacred month drew to a close, I carried with me a profound gratitude for these weeks of contemplation and generosity. Ramadan offered not just spiritual nourishment but also space for ideation and (true) blue-sky thinking—moments of clarity that only emerge when we allow ourselves to pause and reflect, mindfully.

With this period culminating in Eid Al-Fitr, I found myself embracing festive preparations with the traditional thoubs carefully laid out for the three days of celebration. These rituals connect me to generations past, particularly to my beloved great-grandmother, Mama Hissa who loved brightly coloured thoubs and the buzz of a majlis filled with family and members of the community.

In this year dedicated to community, I'm struck by how Mama Hissa embodied the very essence of togetherness - not only because her home was located in the heart of Al Ain’s city centre, but because it was a gathering place that drew crowds from all walks of life. The accounts I've gathered from those who experienced Mama Hissa's hospitality first-hand speak of a sanctuary where community truly flourished. Men and women alike would visit, drawn by her warmth and wisdom. This was even captured in a song by Meehad Hamad, an Emirati singer who honoured Mama Hissa’s legacy by performing a song with verses from the renowned poet, Mohammed Al Darmaki.

Through the transition from the sacred solemnity of Ramadan to the joyous celebration of Eid, I carry these threads of connection—to Ghaith's innocent generosity, to my own spiritual renewal, and to Mama Hissa's enduring legacy of community. In honouring these connections, I find the true blessing of this season.

1 April 2025