Blessings In Syawal... And Our Eid Moments

Hope Syawal's been beautiful for everyone.

It's chilly here with excellent weather (my kinda weather...) so far. Alhamdhulilah.

And yes, Eid Mubarak.

Yes, it's been a while since I wrote something here.

Syawal's been keeping me busy with lots of hosting and some visiting and hosting again, Alhamdhulilah.

Oh yes, and lots of feasting, which has brought with it a new awareness about my health and weight watch too.

Among all these, I am so glad that this Eid has opened up new opportunities to renew bonds with old friends and forge new ones.

As with every new year, this Eid has brought about some changed sentiments and emotions, maybe a little more than the previous years.

And of course, Ramadan has also set me reflecting on a number of aspects that have been on my mind, and at times, troubling me too.

I have found new solutions through prayer for these issues and I am totally aware that more consistent duas and more Tahajjud prayers are definitely needed. 

And by the way, here's sharing some of our Eid moments through these pics.

And I learnt some new dishes too - tried and tested by now.

Will share them soon, In-Shaa-Allah.

We bought Eid cards, after eons, at the Ramadan Fair/Bazaar, for a certain purpose. AZ and I ended up sending them to our loved ones. We plan and HE plans! SubhanAllah.

This was in preparation for a second round of hosting at our place. The pretty blue and green glasses are this year's Eid gifts from a new-found Aunt and the green crockery set are from IKEA - last year's Eid gifts from Mum's friends too. They all probably knew we (especially 1) love receiving these things as gifts!

Eid Cookies! And another cookie container which came as gift from another beloved Aunt.

Our 'new' Eid Cookie Packs Table.  Every year on Eid, I would tire myself by packing these gift bags for our guests and neighbours  - basically, I never planned how many bags and what went into them, adnd so, had to do so before a set of guests were leaving. This year, with better planning and with AZ's help on even of Eid, we made this pretty table happen. This shot was taken before the frenzy began (Alhandhuliah for guests and to be blessed as hosts). Towards later in the day, the table was more colourful, with chocolates and presents from our dear guests and also with some colourful laddus from the Masjid that Dad had brought home from Eid prayers. (Just that I was too tired by the end of the day to do anything but focus on cleaning up the kitchen and living room.) Alhamdulillah, for everything.

Our 'new' Eid Cookie Packs Table.  Every year on Eid, I would tire myself by packing these gift bags for our guests and neighbours  - basically, I never planned how many bags and what went into them, adnd so, had to do so before a set of guests were leaving.

This year, with better planning and with AZ's help on even of Eid, we made this pretty table happen. This shot was taken before the frenzy began (Alhandhuliah for guests and to be blessed as hosts). Towards later in the day, the table was more colourful, with chocolates and presents from our dear guests and also with some colourful laddus from the Masjid that Dad had brought home from Eid prayers.

(Just that I was too tired by the end of the day to do anything but focus on cleaning up the kitchen and living room.)

Alhamdulillah, for everything.

HE Sent Us Barakah

Our family’s evening yesterday was spent beautifully, with barakah that our Rabb sent us. HIS barakah visited us through two heartwarming guests whom AZ and I had invited for dinner.

I have reminded myself to be more gracious and have sabr (patience) when I am now serving guests after I learnt on the hadith as said below of serving guests (even if they are people who may be mean to us).

“…when Allah wishes well for a qawm..." Here the word "qawm" does not mean "nation" or a group of people; it means few people or just one person. "...(Ehdâ ilayhim hediyyeted-dayf) Allah sends them guests as gifts." It is considered as gifts because when the host offers good things to the guest, he earns rewards and the blessings of Allah.

"If Allah wishes prosperity for a person, He will send guests as gifts."

Alhamdhulillah.

Our guests yesterday, Sister R and her fiancé (Brother Is), brought with them lots of warmth and laughter. Brother Is also took some time to take us through a water test (which I will write in more detail in a later post, In-Shaa-Allah). 

AZ and I have also long wanted to get a gift for Sister R. We decided on a pocket Quran for this Sister, as she is an entrepreneur who is always on the move and felt this will be very useful for her when on train rides. 

She was really pleased with this priceless gift (of all times!). I also told her that it was indeed a ‘selfish’ gift from both of us as we hoped to get some rewards when she recites the Quran, In-Shaa-Allah.

We also made her choose a pretty abaya that she fancied from our collections. She hesitantly did, and carried it so well when she tried it on. 

Alhamdhulilah.