Preparation for Eid

Eid Al-Adha is coming up here, expected to be around October 14th-15th, depending on the lunar calendar. This is our biggest religious holiday, commemorating prophet Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him), for his complete obedience to Allah when he was being tested. We all know the story of Ibrahim(Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael) and the GREATEST TEST OF All TIME.  You know we would have all failed it miserably.

So here are a few tips to prepare in advance for it:

1. ASK FOR TIME OFF IN ADVANCE.
This applies if you are in a country where you are scheduled to work, don't do the last minute calling in sick deal. Geez, this is a major holiday that you need to spend with your family, I'm sure your boss will understand.

2. HIT THE STORES EARLY
Make sure that you hit those Sales early, so as to get the best clothes(pamba) and pressies for your peeps (kids, neighbors, relatives, friends, orphans, poor, etc). Some stores have already started with the Eid Sales, get on it before they run out of the good stuff.

3. SECURE THAT GOAT EARLY
I don't know about you, but over here, the price of Goat goes up on the day off or a day or two before. You can get more goats to distribute to charity for less.

4. COMPLETE THE 3rd PILLAR OF ISLAM (CHARITY)
Start with your local community to see if there is a need, if not, go further out or better yet, hit the internet and you will find plenty of AID organizations such as, Muslim AID,  Islamic Relief Organization, Red Cresent, etc. Take your pick!

6. SMILE
Don't over think and stress on the day's events and just let it roll. Life is how you make it, surround yourself with positive energy and the rest will just sort itself out. Just Remember Allah is with you all the way.

I leave you with this verse from the Qur'an....

Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.    
(Qur'an chapter 9 verse 60)