Eid Mubarak Gratitude

 

Let’s be honest when most people hear Eid Adha, their mind races straight to ram suya, sizzling grills, and meat-packed coolers. Social media gets flooded with dressed-up rams, culinary experiments, and blurry group selfies captioned “Meat and greet.”

But beyond the smoky kitchens and freshly ironed clothes lies the soul of this sacred celebration. Eid Adha is not about the ram or the blood. It’s about submission. Trust. And the unwavering faith that anchors our souls.

The Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS): Faith at Its Peak

Imagine praying for years to have a child, finally getting that child in old age, and then being asked to sacrifice him. No hesitation. No resistance. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) obeyed.

This wasn’t about cruelty. It was about pure, unshakable submission. It was about surrendering your most treasured blessing with complete trust in the One who gave it in the first place.

And in that act, we find the foundation of our faith. That moment when Allah intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram became more than just a story it became a lifelong lesson for all of us:

> Faith is not about what we say it’s about what we’re willing to lay down.

The Nine Glorious Days Before the Eid

Before the Eid celebrations came the golden gift of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, days so powerful that Allah swore by them in Surah Al-Fajr.

This year, I had the joy of participating in a soulful Tahajjud, dhikr, and Qur’an recitation challenge with my sisters. Those nine nights felt like being gently cradled by divine love. We woke in the stillness, whispered our longings to Allah, and strengthened our hearts through remembrance.

There was laughter, accountability, spiritual pep talks, and late-night encouragements that felt like soul-hugs. I’m incredibly grateful to be among such beautiful women a sisterhood of submission and light.

We didn’t just do rituals we experienced a revival.

Gratitude for My Everyday Blessings (Yes, Including Moori the Cat)

Let’s talk about companionship and no, not just the human kind. Meet Moori, my fluffy, soulful, purring bestie. I believe she was sent to me on divine assignment.

She sits with me during my Qur’an reflections, watches me like a spiritual supervisor when I pray, and somehow always shows up when I need a hug in the form of fur. She knows oh yes, she knows I love her to the moon and back.

Then there are my neighbors, the warm-hearted souls who make my days brighter with their kindness, their smiles, and their food (yes, we celebrate edible gratitude here too). I couldn't have asked for better people to live beside. You know that dua about good neighbors? Alhamdulillah, I’m living in the answer.

The Mastermind Culinary Journey: Food, Faith, and Fulfillment

Another huge highlight on my gratitude list is my ongoing journey with the Mastermind Catering and Culinary Institution. What a blessing it’s been! From the passionate staff and curious students to the vibrant energy of our amazing Rector every moment has been a taste of purpose (pun fully intended).

Learning, teaching, growing this journey has been about more than food. It’s been about legacy. Excellence. Connection. And I pray for more strength, more insight, and more blessings for every single person who’s part of this journey.

To all my colleagues, students, and mentors thank you. You make the kitchen feel like a second home.

This Year, Eid Adha Feels… Deeper

The past months have stretched me in ways I never expected. There were quiet breakdowns, loud prayers, and silent victories. I was reminded again and again that my strength is limited but His mercy is not.

There are phases in life when you just know if not for Allah's grace, you wouldn't have made it through. That has been my truth. That is my gratitude.

So, this Eid, I’m not just grateful for life. I’m grateful for the tests. The wake-up calls. The closed doors. The quiet healings. The little things that turned out to be everything.

Your Turn: What Are You Willing to Lay Down?

As we reflect on the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), here’s a gentle nudge for you, dear reader:

What’s your Ismail?

What is that thing you need to release, surrender, or trust Allah with?

This season, may we all find the courage to submit, the strength to obey, and the faith to trust in divine replacements.

A Loving Eid Call to Action

Reflect – Go beyond the ram. Ask yourself what sacrifice or obedience Allah might be inviting you into.

Pray – There’s still time. Eid is not the end—it’s the reminder.

Connect – Call that friend. Hug your neighbor. Celebrate with intention.

Give – Whether meat, money, time, or kindness—give freely.

Gratitude – Journal it. Share it. Live it.

Eid Mubarak, Sweet Soul

May your sacrifices be accepted, your heart be light, and your plate full (with Moori safely tucked away from the meat tray). May your life overflow with faith, joy, strength, and purpose.

Celebrate this Eid Adha not just with food and laughter, but with renewed submission and deepened love for Allah.

From my heart to yours (and from Moore’s paws too):

Eid Mubarak! 🐾🌙❤️