A Eid Your Kids Will Never Forget

Deeply ingrained in most kids' minds is a Party that is far more superior than any other party in existence. A Party so amazing that it makes all other parties bow in respect. At this Party kids are dressed up, balloons are hung all around, and party games are played. Most exciting is the infamous cake, the plentiful candy, the stacks of presents, and the songs in the air. It's no wonder that kids consider this party to be the Ultimate Party. If you haven't guessed it by now, the mystery party is a Birthday Party.

While celebrating another year in existence has become common in most cultures, I think it's important to be as passionate about celeberating more important occasions such as Eid. So why hasn't Eid been the subject of exhilaration to the extent Birthday parties have been? I think its a matter of focus. We simply need to shift our focus to Eid.

So this year, let's all push to revolutionize Eid. Let's serve our kid's with the most delicious Eid their little minds can think of. Let's make Eid that gem that kids dream of and patiently wait for all year round. Let's turn Eid into the ultimate extravaganza. Let's scrap birthday parties and turn our kid’s attention towards Eid.

For the 2nd year standing, my wife and I have thrown Eid parties for our daughters. On the 3rd day of Eid we invite all of their friends. The girls get dressed up in their tiaras and tutus. We go all out with the party decorations. We have games, songs, and fun activities going on. We get a giant cake shaped to their favorite cartoon character. Everyone gets presents. Everyone is flooded with candy and treats.

The goal: To make kids drool when they hear that Eid is coming.

As Muslims, we need to embody the Islamic cultural within our kids. We need to get our kids excited about Islamic tradition. We need to provide our kids with an alternative to christmas, new years, independence day, and halloween parties. We need to create a fun, exciting alternative that our kids can be proud of and look forward to. We need to boost their Muslim pride and strengthen their sense of belonging. The Eid initiative is one step in that direction.
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Raising the Bar

A true story that inspired me to change the way I deal with my kids.

A mother came home with a guest. She was greeted by her 3 young children who ran to her side. After the regular kisses and hugs, her youngest daughter, 3 years old, looked at her with a big smile. "Mama! I didn't get a new house today." The mother turned to her friend, which had a puzzled look on her face. "Ok, tell me about your house." the mother exclaimed to the girl.

"Well, it has a pink door and purple windows....", the girl excitedly giggled as she described her house in full detail. After she finished her mom asked her, "So what do you have to do in order to get this house?". This was a no-brainer for the girl. She quickly put her hands up, extended her 10 fingers out and began to recite "Surat Al Ikhlas" ten times. With each recitation she lowered a finger. When she had finished 10 times, she joyfully sprung up, celebrating her new house.¹

The mother then said, "Do you know what would make your house look even more beautiful. How would you like a chest full of treasure?" Excitedly the girl nodded in affirmation. She sprung up began to recite, "لا حول ولا قوة إلي بالله".² The girl's smile widened. "Mama, I'm thirsty. I want to drink water out of the Prophet's hand." In unison they chanted, "اللهم صلي على سيدنا محمد".³

Raising our kids should be fun. With some creativity, we can teach our kids the most complex and deepest meanings. Enthusiasm fills the air and every gasp of air is followed by a gleeful giggle. Surely things taught in this way, will be ingrained in their little minds for many years to come.

It's time to raise a generation of little minds that are filled with energy and piety. A generation that has great knowledge hosted in their hearts, not just their minds. A generation that takes pride in its origins, culture, and religion. A generation who aspires to greater things and has the discipline to achieve. Let's take the first step towards building this future. Let's raise our children to be leaders.

Notes:
1. Whoever recites Surat Al Ikhlas 10 times, Allah will build a palace for him in paradise.

قال صلى الله عليه وسلم(من قرا (قل هو الله احد) حتى يختمها عشر مرات بنى الله له قصرا في الجنه فقال عمر رضي الله عنه: اذا نستكثر قصورا يارسول الله
فقال: الله اكثر واطيب) اخرجه احمد

2. The Prophet told Abu Dhar, Shall I guide to a treasure of the many treasures of paradise. He replied in the affirmative. Say, "لا حول ولا قوة إلي بالله", There is no Will or Might, but that of Allah's.

عن أبي ذر قال: قال لي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ألا أدلك على كنز من كنوز الجنة، قلت بلى يا رسول الله، قال لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله. رواه أحمد

3. Whoever says, "اللهم صلي على سيدنا محمد", Allah have praise on our Prophet Mohamed, will drink out of the Prophet's hand in Paradise.

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