Celebrating Eid al-Adha: Faith, Joy, and the Gift of Giving Back

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Eid al-Adha has always felt different to me. There’s a stillness to it that Eid al-Fitr doesn’t quite have. It’s quieter, more reflective, but still so full of joy. And every year, without fail, it’s the morning after salaah that I look forward to the most.

Because that’s when the goody bags come out.

It started a few years ago with just the kids. My children and I would sit together beforehand, choosing little treats, packing everything up, tying the bags and honestly, that process alone became part of our Eid. Watching them take such pride in handing something out to another child, seeing those little faces light up, it never gets old. Not even a little bit.

Last Eid I decided to do something a little different and made bags for the mums too. I wasn’t sure how it would land, but the response genuinely moved me. These are women who spend so much of the season making sure everyone else feels special, and to see them receive something made just for them was such a beautiful moment. It reminded me why I started this in the first place.

So this year we’re back, and we’re going bigger. The kids are getting their bags, the mums are getting theirs, and this time we’re including teen girls too. Because they’re at that age where they can feel a bit in between, too old for the kids’ stuff, not quite in the mums’ circle, and I want them to feel seen and celebrated.

My children are involved in every single step and I think that’s the part I’m most proud of. Generosity isn’t something I want to just talk about with them. I want it to be something we actually do together, year after year, until it becomes second nature to them.

Eid al-Adha is ultimately a day about sacrifice and giving. The story of Ibrahim (AS) is one of the most powerful reminders of what it looks like to trust Allah completely and give with an open hand. Our little goody bag tradition is my small, humble attempt to honour that spirit in a way that feels personal to us.

Eid Mubarak, from my family to yours 🤍