Are you experiencing a mix of joy and sadness this Eid? If so, know that you are not alone.
This moment in history evokes a profound and complex mix of emotions. While we celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid, our hearts ache deeply for our brothers and sisters in Palestine. signifies our shared humanity and empathy amidst the stark realities of imperialist, colonial greed and racism.
This duality of feeling—joy in faith and sorrow in witnessing suffering—mirrors the journey of Musa (as) with Khidr, where understanding often eludes us, and we must navigate the currents of life with faith in Allah’s wisdom. Just as Musa (as) learned that there are divine reasons behind the actions of Khidr, we too must accept that what unfolds in the world is ultimately by the will of Allah. Nothing exists or occurs without His decree, and embracing this reality is part of our spiritual journey.
In this heavy contemplation, we find ourselves reminded by the resilience of our Palestinian brothers and sisters. Their strength becomes a beacon, urging us to hold on to Alhamdulillah, Mashallah, and Inshallah as affirmations of faith. These phrases are not mere words; they acknowledge the reality that sustains them, even in the face of despair. When we say Allahu Akbar, we proclaim the greatness of Allah, recognizing that His wisdom encompasses all that we cannot understand.
In this recent Ramadan, we are granted another opportunity to reflect on our blessings, to find gratitude amidst adversity. The deep contemplation and heaviness in our hearts serve as reminders of our humanity, the bittersweet nature of ibada—the acceptance of fate as Allah’s will. This emotional weight is also a testament to the gift of intellect, emotion, and soul that Allah has bestowed upon us as human beings.
Our capacity to feel, to empathize, and to act is a divine endowment that calls us to respond—not just through words but through meaningful action and solidarity. As we rejoice in gratitude for completing another Ramadan, let us channel our emotions into deeds that support those in need, embodying the very essence of our faith.
In navigating this complex landscape, we honor both our traditions and the struggles of our brothers and sisters. We can celebrate Eid not as a departure from the realities of the world but as an opportunity to embody our beliefs, showing that joy and sorrow can coexist, and that our faith can guide us toward compassion and action. May our hearts remain steadfast, and may we always strive to embody the spirit of gratitude and resilience that connects us all.
Halima Taha is an art professional specializing in curatorial, art advisory, appraisal, and strategic planning services. She authored the influential book, Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas, which emphasizes the importance of collecting African American art. This work led to increased interest from publishers in African American art history. Taha played a key role in the establishment of the first international African American auction category and has influenced major museums to pursue African American collections. She holds degrees from Sarah Lawrence College and New York University, along with a Certificate in Appraisal Studies. Taha is involved in various arts organizations and has contributed to numerous publications. Her extensive experience includes co-owning a gallery, serving as director at the Gordon Parks Gallery, and teaching at Bloomfield College.
