Today is the holiday of Eid Al Fitr, which signals the end of Ramadan and the breaking of Muslims’ daily fast. 🌙
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The Eid season is a multi-day celebration similar to the Christmas season – families gather and feast together, make food specific to the holiday, buy gifts for each other, and spend special time in prayer. Colorful banners and twinkly lanterns decorate storefronts and homes, and there’s an overall feeling of joy and goodwill. ✨
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This year is certainly different than any Eid before. Saudi is on a 24 hour lockdown for the next 4 days. No one is allowed to leave their home for any reason other than work. If there’s an emergency or you’re in desperate need of a grocery run, you can apply for permission to leave for an hour via an app. 😬 The government wants to prohibit the large scale gatherings and visitations this holiday is centered around in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
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Sorry to my Muslim friends, that the pandemic is affecting what should be a community-centered time. I hope you’re able to celebrate and find joy in spite of the extreme restrictions. Eid Mubarak! عيد مبرك 🌙
Our Journey through the Land of Midian in Saudi
When I was a child, learning about Moses in Sunday school and watching VeggieTales and The Prince of Egypt, I thought of places like the