Celebrity
A Day in the Life of Three Australian Muslim Women on Eid: Tina Rahimi, Massilia Aili and Sophia Chowdhury
Eid is a time of celebration for the Muslim community in Australia and across the world.
Eid Ul Fitr in particular marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar Ramadan, with a month of fasting and reflection coming to a close.
It is celebrated with a feast, with Muslims stepping out in their best clothes to spend time with their friends and family.
Watch the video above
But this looks different between every country, community, families, and even friends.
Three Aussie Muslim women – 9News reporter Massilia Aili, content creator Sophia Chowdhury, and Olympian Tina Rahimi – shared with 9honey how they ring in the occasion.
Their Eid routine
Massilia Aili, 9News Reporter
“We all usually wake up super early out of excitement (even as adults), we get dressed in all new clothes, exchange gifts and attend Eid prayers as a family and then we all have breakfast together. We then visit family friends for lunch or in the afternoon and end the day with a barbecue with all of our extended family.”
READ MORE: Questions you had about Ramadan, explained
Sophia Chowdhury, Marketer, Stylist and Content Creator
“I am privileged to have lots of cousins in Melbourne. We usually all spend it with each other. It usually includes lots of food, laughs, and naps.”
Tina Rahimi, Olympic Boxer
“We usually just wear our nicest outfits and get together for lunch and my mum will make us food!
“It feels so odd to start eating and drinking again during the day since we’re so used to fasting. Just being able to have food or a drink feels so special!”
READ MORE: What is Eid ul Fitr and how is it celebrated in Australia? All your questions, answered
Their must-haves for the Eid table
Massilia Aili
“Eid cookies – my mum and I usually bake them together in the few days leading up and it’s usually the first thing I eat when I wake up (oh and a morning coffee).”
Sophia Chowdhury
“Definitely my mum’s chicken biryani and tuna fish and potato kebabs (IYKYK). My aunty’s beef biryani is my must-have when visiting my family.”
Tina Rahimi
“Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian herb stew) is a must. It’s the most traditional Persian dish which is everyone’s favourite in the family. We usually request my mum to make this! She would also make Fesenjoon (chicken in Pomegranate and walnut sauce). That’s also my absolute favourite!”
Their fondest Eid memory
READ MORE: What Eid looks like in Australia: Six Australian Muslims share how they celebrate Eid ul Fitr
Massilia Aili
“As a child being able to spend Eid with all my extended family and everybody visiting each other throughout the day to celebrate.”
Sophia Chowdhury
“Getting ready with my mum is one of my favourite things ever. I love that now that I’m older, I help her get ready and do her makeup and hair. Also just spend it with all my family and cousins.
“I know doing Eid in the West doesn’t have the same feel as doing it at home but grateful to have so much family here. My parents made it possible to sponsor so much of our family here and now I get to experience the fruits of their labour and don’t take it for granted.”
READ MORE: ‘What Eid means to me’: Five Australian Muslims share their favourite memories and experiences
What Eid means to them
Massilia Aili
READ MORE: How Jinan is keeping her century-old family tradition alive 14,167km away
“Eid is always one of those heartwarming soul-food sorts of holidays where you feel super proud of yourself for everything you’ve accomplished over the last month and where all the people you love the most gather for a really positive and joyful celebration.”
Tina Rahimi
“Eid is so special because it marks the celebration after a month of fasting and sacrifices. It’s an amazing feeling to come together with loved ones, dress in new clothes, and enjoy a wholesome meal together.”
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