TOO BEAUTIFUL!!!
Here is an account from an “SG Muslims for Eid” participant who identifies as a non-religious Chinese Singaporean celebrating Eid for the first time!!!
“I saw a very pretty poster on Facebook inviting non-Muslims into Muslim homes during Eid. I signed up out of curiosity, a desire to eat good food and be amongst joyful people in celebration.
Soon I was warmly welcomed into the home of a young couple Dhaniah and Haider. About 160 friends and relatives from both sides were expected that day, some of them even they themselves have never met before. The spectrum of their friends and relatives range wide, from lawyer types to makciks who practice yoga to media types to pakciks who have done the full Haj 4 times (and Umra countless times) to a young wife who is fully clothed from head to toe. Dhaniah’s side of the family look very Chinese and are musically talented. They were actually jamming and recording music as the celebrations went on. And then there’s me, a non-religious Chinese blonde-dyed short-haired woman from the arts and media. Everyone is gentle and accepting of each other.
Despite the sheer number of relatives and friends who came pouring in and out of their home, Dhaniah and Haider managed to make me feel just at home. They introduced me to everyone who came, and everyone happily answered any questions I had about their customs and practices, particularly about the Haj. I’m most curious and fascinated with this epic pilgrimage. A lot of them went way out of their way to make me feel appreciated for my curiosity.
I was most touched by their devotion towards their personal faith, and also their close-knittedness within their families and community. One of the boys kissed my hand even though he was super shy. That’s just the cutest thing ever! I didn’t tell him, but I was blushing inside too 😛
I don’t belong to any particular faith but most of my friends do. Now is as good a time as any to learn and appreciate the part of them that I’m not familiar with. I find it timely for such interfaith learning and appreciation especially in such times of conflicts and misunderstanding around the world. Only when we feel connected will we remember that our core similarities outweigh superficial differences.
The curiosity isn’t one way. Dhaniah and Haider had a lot of questions about my secular meditation practice and they’re very eager to try it out. They’re eager to visit my home even though I told them my home is very boring. I don’t even have a TV! I’ve made some good friends and had a lovely afternoon in a house full of warmth and love (not to mention 2 very cute rabbits). I thank all the organizers of SG Muslims for Eid and especially Dhaniah and Haider for their warm hospitality. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is interested. ”
Source: Noor Mastura
