Eid Mumbarak!

It's been ages since I've had a chance to sit down and write properly.  It's not that I haven't had opportunities to be grateful, but I've been so (happily) busy, that I find that in my few moments of spare time, I haven't got the energy to fire up my creative juices.  This results in me sitting brain dead in front of the T.V.  Please don't get me wrong, I have absolutely no problems with that!


But today is such a happy day of celebration, I felt I couldn't let the day go by without acknowledging, and showing my appreciation for it!  Today is Eid-ul-Fitr - you can find a brief explanation of Eid here.  It's a day to reflect, celebrate, appreciate, forgive, and share.


 It was more bittersweet today than it usually is.  I generally find it a bit difficult being away from my family at this time of the year... I must say though, Phill's awesome and we always celebrate Eid together in some special way.  It was always Dad's favourite day of the year.  There was nothing that could compare to Eid for Dad... he wasn't the most dedicated of khane-goers, but there was no stopping him on this day.  I have many happy memories of days with Mum, Dad and Navaz celebrating Eid.  I didn't realise when I was a child, how special it really, truly is.


As I sat there this morning, I got very teary, but I loved every second of being in khane and listening and participating in a beautiful namaz (prayer).  It felt right to be with the wonderful members of Auckland Jamat... and I knew that Dad was there with me today.

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Happy Eid to you and your families!  May all your good wishes come true this year. 

So grateful for...

Auckland Jamaat.

The literal Islamic translation of Jamaat is a group or congregation.

In the Ismaili community, the Jamaat is where we have our group prayers.  It can take the form of a school hall, a rented room in a community centre, or purpose built permanent facilities.  The purpose built facilities are aesthetically pleasing and incredibly tranquil places, but wherever it happens to be, there is always a space for congregation and some socializing (after prayers, of course!)

There are a number of reasons I am immensely proud of my faith, but one of them is the community itself.  Of course, there are varying degrees of opinion on faith, my religion, your religion (or choice not to have religion) and every shade of grey in between.  Which is great and necessary (I believe.)  This post is not about opinions on faith and religion; attendance at church / mosque / prayers or non-attendance; believing or disbelieving - it's about community.

The feeling of family - the love and support of the members of of the jamaat is an integral and beautiful part of being a member of the ummah (Muslim community.)  I have my jamaat that I grew up in, in Toronto, where I made lifelong friendships and where my family still attends.  Now, I've got one in Auckland.  My attendance is spotty (at best.)  It always has been.  Whether it has been two weeks since I've last gone in Auckland or a year since I've gone in Toronto, it's always like coming home. 

The members of Auckland jamaat are always loving, accepting and genuinely happy to see me.  Since moving to New Zealand seven years ago, they have been my family - both in time of incredible sorrow and unbelievable joy.  I have made friends there that I know I can count on at any time.  They are truly amazing, wonderful and kind people.  I am so lucky to have their support in my life.  Not just a couple of them - but the whole lot of them.  I have no doubt about that.  I feel so lucky - how can I not be grateful?