Written By Afnan Jaber
Assalamu Alaikum, Nour bestie!
Eid has always felt like magic.
I still think about the days my mom would take me shopping for a new Eid outfit. She would smile and say, “Choose something that makes you feel special… because Eid is a day to celebrate.”
And just like that, I felt like an artist with an endless canvas.
I would wander through every aisle, running my hands over fabrics, imagining outfit combinations in my head; skirts with tops, dresses with the perfect hijab, little details coming together in the most exciting way. Every step felt full of possibility.
And somehow… the anticipation made everything even more special.
The night before Eid, I had my own little ritual.
Carefully laying everything out.
Ironing my outfit.
Matching my jewelry.
Folding my hijab just right.
Setting my shoes beside it all.
Every detail mattered.
And then… Eid morning.
The sound of takbeer filling the air.
Everyone rushing to get ready.
The chaos of sharing a bathroom with your whole family (and somehow always being late anyway).
It was chaotic, yes, but it was our chaos. The kind you grow to love without even realizing it.
And it didn’t stop at home.
The masjid was alive, filled with familiar faces, laughter, hugs, and that unmistakable Eid energy. Rows upon rows, shoulder to shoulder, hearts full after a month of worship.
After salah came the real fun, gathering with family and friends, food everywhere, conversations flowing, kids running around like they had endless energy.
And for me? Eidi...
The moment I had been waiting for.
Running home, tearing open gifts, not even caring what was inside, just feeling pure joy in that moment.
That’s what Eid was.
Not just the gifts.
Not just the outfits.
But the feeling.
The love.
The intention.
The way our parents made it all feel so special, while quietly grounding us in something deeper: our love for Islam, and for Allah ﷻ.
Now, things feel a little different.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started creating my own traditions, ones that carry that same love and intention my parents gave me.
One of my favorites? Giving.
Not just any gifts… but thoughtful ones.
The kind that make someone feel seen.
The kind that bring out that same childlike excitement we once felt.
And it starts long before Eid.
I take my time.
I think about each person.
What they love. What they need. What would make them smile.
And just as importantly… where I choose to shop.
Because for me, it means something to support Muslim-owned businesses. To pour back into our community. To uplift the creatives behind every piece.
This year, I found myself doing exactly that at The Nour Company, where every item feels like it was chosen with care, sourced from Muslim women, small businesses, and creatives who pour love into what they create.
And honestly… I had a little too much fun picking everything out!
Here’s what I chose:
For my coffee-loving friend
A “Fueled by Coffee & Duas” glass + the cutest “Sabr, Shukr, Tawakkul” sticker, something small, but meaningful enough to brighten her everyday routine.
For my mom
A set of Bismillah table signs, something beautiful to add warmth to the home she’s been lovingly redecorating.
For my beauty-loving cousin
Three shades of 786 breathable nail polish (Cusco, Hyderabad, and Kashmir) so she can pamper herself while staying aligned with her values.
For my niece
The Little Meowslims: The Five Pillars Adventure. a gift that’s fun, but also plants seeds of understanding and love for Islam at such a young age.
What I love most about shopping this way… is knowing every item carries a story.
It begins with the creator.
Moves to the giver.
And then lives on with the one receiving it.
It’s more than just a gift.
It’s connection. It’s intention. It’s barakah.
And somehow… that makes Eid feel even more special.
So I want to ask you something, Nour bestie
What kind of giver are you this Eid?
Are you the thoughtful planner?
The last-minute shopper?
Or the one who says “no gifts this year” and still shows up with something anyway?
As for me… I’m just here, staring at my little pile of gifts, waiting for the moment I get to see my loved ones smile. And honestly? That might be the best part of all.
Eid Mubarak!
May this Eid be filled with love, reflection, and barakah.
May our intentions, in giving, celebrating, and supporting one another, be accepted.
And may our hearts remain as full as the joy we share in these moments.