Celebrating Eid Al-Fitr A light of hope in dark economic times [Archives:2002/49/Reportage]

BY YASSER AL-MAYASI
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
Eid Al-Fitr is the celebration that comes at the end of Ramadan. On these days, people share joy and happiness by visiting their relatives and hold ceremonies and festivities to live the joy of the moment intended by Islam for all Muslims worldwide.
However, Yemenis are trying to live such happy moments during despair because of difficult economic and social conditions. Eid serves as an opportunity to escape the burdens and miseries of life and have a break from the continuous stress of searching for ways to make ends meet.
On this special occasion, the Yemen Times met with a number of Yemeni citizens of various sectors of the community to get their impressions about this Eid.
Khalid Ali al-Humaidi, government employee:
“Eid is a great religious occasion to renew our social bonds and abandon hatred and envy. It is an opportunity to make a new beginning in our lives as it comes after worshipping Allah during the holy month of Ramadhan. Eid is a time rich people look after the needs of the poor and bring the society closer. It should be a time to reprogram our lives and behavior.
This is what it is supposed to be, but it is unfortunate that we do not find this atmosphere any more, mainly due to economic burdens and high living expenses.
On the other hand, staying late at night following TV shows during the holy month of Ramadhan causes the days of Eid to be too quite because people wake up late and tend to be lazier.
Eid Al-Fitr decades ago was much better than Eid of these days as life has become harder than ever. As time passes, I am afraid Eid occasions get less enjoyable.”
Mufeed Qassim, a soldier serving in a governmental building:
“Eid is supposed to be a special and enjoyable time for all Muslims as they celebrate the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadhan that was full of worshipping and good deeds. However, one cannot deny that Eid of the older days was much more exciting, enjoyable, and tasteful. I remember how we used to not worry about anything when our economic and social conditions were much better. Souls were pure and everyone was happy even though we were not too rich, yet we were able to live decent lives.
But today, as a soldier, I have duties to fulfill and won’t be able to spend Eid with my family and loved ones. Despite my sadness for this, I feel that someone needs to do this job and it is my honor to serve my country regardless of anything.
Eid should be an occasion of happiness for all people, especially the poor as they should be given priority in terms of care and attention. They already suffer during the whole year, and Eid should be the time they relax and enjoy themselves. We should draw a smile on the poor, especially children, who wait for this event impatiently every year.”
Anwar Hassan, a traffic officer:
“Eid is a special occasion to assist the needy and poor. Eid of today lost its glimmer because of the economic burdens and hardships faced by the majority of the population living beneath the poverty line.
Even though I would love to, I won’t be able to spend Eid with my family because I will be on duty here in the capital. As a traffic officer, I have a duty to fulfill and will spend Eid doing it. The only negative phenomenon in Eid nowadays is children using fireworks that cause several problems to the security of the city. Some families also tend to fire at the air during their Eid ceremonies, which threatens stability.”
Hassan Ali Mohamed, a laborer:
“In my opinion, Eid nowadays only brings more demands and burdens especially for us with huge families. This also applies to the unemployed who can barely survive in normal days, and who will suffer tremendously from the extra expenses of Eid in terms of new clothes, meat, toys, sweets, etc. because Eid is simply associated with those elements otherwise it will not be an Eid.
However, amidst the current difficult economic conditions, it is mostly going to be an event for reconciliation, good deeds, visiting each other, and ending disputes, especially in rural areas.”
Saleh Mohamed Ali, a laborer:
“I have no money, no job, and no ambitions to celebrate Eid in the way desired. What adds to our suffering is the lack of awareness of our miseries and problems. I was able to provide small income by working during the month of Ramadhan but the income is extremely low. Hence, there will be no Eid happiness for me and will not be able to celebrate it with my hungry children as we will not have new clothes or meat to eat.
Nevertheless, I feel that Eid will still be an occasion to unify us as a family.”
Tahani Abbas, a 10-year-old girl:
She says that Eid is the best time of the year as she goes with her family to the public parts, wears the fanciest of clothes and eats sweets and bakeries.
“We go to the village on Eid to visit our relatives and have lots of fun in the beautiful nature away from the troubles of the city. In the village, you find birds, vast green land, and farm animals that you could enjoy watching. We witness grown-ups during Eid meeting their relatives and friends with a sense of happiness and joy, which in turn gives us joy as children. Oh how we wish every day was an Eid.” she said.
Iftikar Al-Hamdi, a female journalist:
She confirmed that Eid is a blessing time for all Muslims because it is the event that makes people visit their relatives and exchange warm greetings.
“However, the high living cost in Yemen has undermined the happiness of Eid because many people find themselves broke when Eid comes and cannot buy clothes or goods to celebrate this occasion as they wish. In the past, we were in much better economic conditions, and were able to bear the expenses of life. I remember when we were children we used to play all the time with nothings on our heads, no responsibility, no worries, and no nothing.
Today, life has become tough, and Eid is not as enjoyable, even for children, who sometimes cannot even wear new clothes or go to parks because their parents cannot afford it.”
Rashad Al-Sharaabi:
“Eid is basically a religious occasion during which Muslims should think of their Palestinian brothers suffering from the Israeili occupation. Eid should not be an occasion that diverts our attention from their suffering. On the contrary it should be the time they give assistance to their brothers in the form of money or even prayers. Every time we have Eid sweets and enjoy our time, we should remember that there are Muslim brothers there who are under siege and suffer from destruction and violence on the hands of Zionist aggression.”Celebrate, regardless
In conclusion, the opinions brought forward in this report represent a variety of thoughts mainly concentrating on the difference of Eid today with yesterday and reminding us that Eid’s happiness is not complete due to the economic hardships suffered by the majority of Yemenis.
However, they still see a glimpse of hope in this special occasion. No matter what conditions we go through, we should celebrate by assisting the poor and leaving our hatred and envy and marking a new beginning.
Many happy returns.



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