Celebrating Eid al-Fitr: A Morning of Indulgence
As the sun rises on Eid al-Fitr, marking the joyous conclusion of Ramadan, the atmosphere at the mosque is filled with excitement and anticipation. After a month of fasting, congregants eagerly await their first meal during daylight hours. What do you reach for to break your fast?
Once the Eid prayers come to an end, Saagar Shaikh, an actor known for his role in the comedy series Deli Boys on Hulu, embarks on a quest: “My eyes scan the room, and I’m looking for the nearest Krispy Kreme box, because that’s what I’m conditioned to do,” he shares with a grin.
Across the United States, the celebration of Eid often involves a delightful spread of pastries — whether it’s from Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, or a beloved local bakery, depending on the community’s traditions. As families and friends reconnect after a month of spiritual reflection, tables nearby overflow with an array of delectable treats, featuring dozens of boxes filled with chocolate-frosted, glazed, and jelly-stuffed doughnuts.
Fany Gerson, the talented owner of Fan Fan Doughnuts in Brooklyn, prepares unique creations like salted caramel chai doughnuts specifically for Eid. These delightful pastries are crafted in collaboration with renowned cookbook author Zaynab Issa.
“It’s not Eid unless there’s doughnuts,” declares Sharaf Mowjood, a producer for CBS News. “This is just the beginning — that doughnut sets the tone for the rest of the day.”
Much like various religious communities across America, Muslims have embraced these sweet orbs of fried dough as part of their Eid celebrations. They are not only affordable and easy to serve in large quantities during the early morning hours, but they also pair beautifully with that long-awaited first cup of coffee after 30 days of fasting. Moreover, many of these treats are halal-friendly, making them a perfect addition to the festivities.
