Eid Mubarak

Compared to the millions of Muslims around the world, I'd imagine my Eid was a little bit different to how it is traditionally celebrated. 

From what I have learnt from speaking with my Muslim friends and from observing social media, many Muslims will take the day off school or work to maximise the celebrations with their families and friends. In my case, I headed to work as normal this morning, but I did so with a spring in my step.

After enjoying a cupcake last night with my friend Zenab, I already had a taste for sugar when I woke up this morning. After just 5 hours sleep I grazed my way through a sausage (first time eating pork since the day before Ramadan) and a cupcake before making my morning coffee (similarly, this was my first coffee since the day before Ramadan).

This would be more than enough food to start any normal day, but as I drove closer to work I became transfixed on an old vice; a large Mocha from Tim Hortons. As I pulled in to the Linwood 'Timmy H' drive-thru I was only planning on ordering a large Mocha, but as I reached the menu board and order point, I lost my way. I drove to school with a double sausage and egg muffin, complete with a hash brown ('coz meal deal) and my large Mocha. 

By the time I got to school I was buzzing - positively off-my-tits on sugar - and the young people were commenting quite openly on my extremely giddy demeanour: "How much happier is James when he's allowed to eat?!"

I spent the whole school day having as much fun as possible with the young people and I answered their queries about why this was a significant celebration for me, and not just for their fellow student, 'R', who had taken the day off to be with his family. I also took an opportunity to give to others and bought donuts for the whole school to enjoy after lunch, which was my small way of doing something for people less fortunate than myself. They were well received and I taught the young people to say "Eid Mubarak" in receipt of their sweet treat.

If you hadn't noticed yet...this whole post is mainly about food!

I hit a real slump after school had finished and hurried home for a lie down. I felt quite sick after eating so much sugar in a short space of time when I was now accustomed to fasting. I really didn't want my evening meal to be spoiled. This was going to be the most special part of my first Eid. Dinner time presented me with the opportunity to eat with James Junior for the first time in 30 days and I loved every second of it. We shared our favourite meal together; crispy duck pancakes. 

I'd usually wolf down this meal and be in competition with Junior for the crispiest pieces of duck, but tonight I was able to maintain a slow pace and share the meal with him more mindfully. I cherished this time with him and I'm grateful for my Ramadan experience for enabling me to experience such pleasure and appreciation from such a simple act. We topped off our special meal with a cupcake and ice cream which I bought in especially to enjoy today. Junior was very excited to be eating ice cream on a Thursday night!

Moving on to slightly more serious matters... as I sit here tonight with a full belly and an unlimited supply of water, I can't help but appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to celebrate Eid today without fearing for my life, or being at risk of arrest simply for living in my home and minding my own business.

My Instagram timeline today has been full of reports, first-hand accounts and shocking footage of Israeli forces persecuting, attacking, and harming the people of Palestine. I am not an expert in this matter, but I cannot ignore the images and videos I have seen for the past few days. From what I have seen I am disgusted and shocked by the actions of Israeli police and military forces. I'm so sorry that innocent people have to experience this and can only commend their bravery and commitment to maintain their faith, prayers and celebrations amidst such chaos and acts of evil.

Similarly, I couldn't discuss Eid today without praising residents in Glasgow's Pollokshields area for their peaceful protest in defending their neigbours, whom the Home Office were seeking to evict. I don't doubt that the Home Office have a strong legal position to remove these people from their homes, however their timing is disgraceful. I am inspired by every person who took to Kenmure Street to sit, stand and chant peacefully in solidarity with their neighbours for as long as 8 hours, until finally, the men involved were released from Home Office custody. The people will always be stronger than the state and this is an inspiring reminder of this.

With the serious matters out of the way, I can sign off today by saying Eid Mubarak once again to everyone celebrating the end of Ramadan today. Thank you all for letting me a part of it for the first time!