Eid for Some, Responsibility for Her — Sharing Joy, Sharing the Load
By: Mehrun Nisa Bilal | 21 May 2026
Adulthood is not just about realizing that festivals are meant for celebration. It is also about realizing who silently makes that celebration possible. As children, most of us think Eid is about new clothes, warm hugs, laughter, the sweetness of sheer khurma, and the joy of being together. But as we grow older, we begin to notice things that childhood never allowed us to see. We start noticing the invisible hands behind that happiness.
Before the rest of the house even wakes up on Eid morning, a woman has already started her day. While others are getting ready for Eid prayers, choosing their clothes, and planning how they will spend the day, she is already in the kitchen. She stands there for hours, her hands busy, her back aching, and her mind thinking about everyone else.
Her hands smell of spices instead of perfume. Her clothes carry the warmth of the kitchen before they can carry the beauty of the festival. And somehow, all of this is treated as normal.
But why?
Why do men say they have to leave for Eid namaz, while a woman is expected to stay behind and prepare everything for everyone else?
Why is her prayer expected to happen later, only after breakfast is served, after dishes are cleaned, and after everyone else has already enjoyed the day?
Is she not allowed to have a quiet morning too?
Does she not deserve a little time for herself?
A slow bath, a peaceful prayer, a moment to dress up without worrying about what is cooking on the stove. Somewhere along the way, women were taught that being good means putting themselves last.
That sacrifice is love. That exhaustion is normal. That serving everyone quietly is what makes them valuable.
But this should not be normal.
A good woman should not be defined by how much she can ignore her own needs.
A family should not depend on one person carrying all the responsibility.
Family should mean sharing.
It should mean brothers helping in the kitchen.
It should mean fathers noticing what usually goes unnoticed.
It should mean sons understanding that love is not only about receiving care, but also about giving it.
Eid was never meant to become a burden for the women who make it beautiful.
It was meant to bring peace, joy, and togetherness.
Maybe the most beautiful Eid will be the one where women are finally allowed to celebrate too.
This Eid, do not only enjoy the festival.
Take a moment to appreciate the woman who made it possible.
Mehrun Nisa Bilal
