Nico's First Eid Morning
Nico woke before the sun, butterflies dancing in their stomach. It was Eid al-Fitr — the celebration at the end of Ramadan — and for the first time, Nico had fasted for the entire last day alongside Mama and Baba. "I did it!" Nico whispered to the ceiling, grinning from ear to ear.
The house was already humming with activity. Mama was arranging date cookies on a silver tray, their surfaces dusted with powdered sugar like tiny snow-capped mountains. Baba was ironing Nico's new outfit — a beautiful green shalwar kameez with gold embroidery. Little brother Zayd was bouncing on the couch, too excited to sit still.
At the mosque, Nico stood shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of people for the Eid prayer. The imam spoke about generosity and gratitude, and Nico felt a warm glow inside — the same feeling as drinking hot chocolate on a cold day, but deeper, somewhere near the heart.
After prayers, the celebration began. Uncle Tariq arrived with a trunk full of gifts. Auntie Samira brought her famous lamb biryani. The children played in the yard while the adults laughed and drank cardamom tea. Nico gave their Eid money — every last coin — to the charity box by the door. Baba noticed and put his hand on Nico's shoulder.
"I'm proud of you," Baba said quietly. "Ramadan taught you to be patient. But Eid teaches us to be joyful and generous. Today, you've shown both." Nico hugged Baba tight, the smell of rose water and date cookies lingering in the air, and knew this was a day they would remember forever.
Talk about it
Nico fasted for the first time and shared their joy with family and those in need.
Three questions for lights-out
- What was special about Nico waking up on Eid morning?
- How did Nico feel during the prayer at the mosque?
- Why do you think Nico gave all their money to the charity box?
Words worth knowing
- Eid al-Fitr
- A happy celebration marking the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting.
- fasted
- Choosing not to eat or drink for a time, usually for a religious reason.
- shalwar kameez
- A traditional outfit with a long shirt and loose pants, worn in many cultures.
- imam
- A religious leader who leads prayers in a mosque.
- biryani
- A delicious rice dish with meat and spices, cooked together.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
It's a joyful celebration at the end of Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Families gather, pray together, share meals, exchange gifts, and give to those in need.
Why did Baba say he was proud of Nico?
Nico showed both patience during fasting and generosity by giving their money to charity. Baba recognized that Nico understood the true spirit of the celebration—being kind and grateful.