Feast Gift.
العيدية
من عشر سنين..
" كل سنة و انت طيب يا حاج اشرف.. يعيد عليك الايام بخير.."
"هو مابيردش ليه؟!.. معلهش.. راجل كبير.. و بلاش نتعبه.."
من عشرين سنة..
"كل سنة و انت طيب يا حاج اشرف.."
"كل سنة و انت طيب يا جدو.. فين العيدية؟!.."
"كل سنة وحضرتك طيب يا انكل اشرف.. انا عملت لحضرتك الفتة.. يا رب تعجبك.."
من ثلاثين سنة..
"كل سنة و حضرتك طيب يا بابا.."
"ربنا يخليك لينا يا حياتي.."
"و هي دي اجمل لحظة في العيد.. بابا بيوزع العيدية.."
من اربعين سنة..
"كل سنة و انت طيب يا اشرف.. ماتتاخرش بالليل مع اصحابك.."
"و آدي العيدية يا سيدي.. ربنا يحميك يا ابني.."
من خمسين سنة..
"شوفتوا اشرف و شقاوته.. اول ما صحي سألني على العيدية على طول.."
"اشرف ده يبقى حبيب جدو.. ده اول حفيد.."
"كل سنة و انتم طيبين و دايما بخير و مع بعض.."
من ستين سنة..
"مبروك.. ربنا رزقنا اشرف.. و كمان في مناسبة العيد.."
"الف مبروك المولود الجديد.. و كل سنة و انتم طيبين.."
"اشرف شكله رزقه واسع.. الناس هتنقط و كمان تديله العيدية.."
"ربنا يوفقه في حياته بالرزق و كمان حب الناس.."
بعد سبعين سنة..
"كل سنة وانت طيب يا حاج أشرف.."
"انت عارف هو مابيسمعش.. و ما بيحسش بينا.."
"كفاية اهله اللى مابيسالوش عليه و لا بيعيدوا عليه.."
"بس بيدفعوا كتير جدا و كرماء جدا معانا.. انا خدت عيدية معتبرة منهم.."
"هو نايم و لا تعبان و لا ايه ياترى؟.."
يا ترى؟!..
يا ترى؟!..
The Eidiyah
Sixty Years Ago
The joyous hum of the household welcomed a new life into the world on a beautiful and auspicious day.
"Congratulations... God has blessed us with Ashraf, and on the occasion of Eid, no less!"
"A thousand congratulations on the new baby... and happy Eid to you all."
"It seems Ashraf is destined for great abundance; people will shower him with gifts and money."
"May God grant him success in his life, and fill it with blessings and the love of the people."
Fifty Years Ago
The laughter of a young boy filled the rooms, carrying the innocent, contagious energy of the holiday.
"Did you see Ashraf and his mischievous spirit? The moment he woke up, he immediately asked me for the Eidiyah."
"Ah, Ashraf is Grandpa's favorite... he is the first grandchild."
"Happy Eid to you all, and may you always be well and together."
Forty Years Ago
As the boy grew into a young man, he was guided by the watchful eye and care of his parents.
"Happy Eid, Ashraf. Don't be out too late tonight with your friends."
"And here is your Eidiyah, young man. May God protect you, my son."
Thirty Years Ago
The cycle of giving shifted. Ashraf became a father, taking on the role of the provider who brings joy to his family's hearts.
"Happy Eid, Dad."
"May God keep you for us, my life."
"And this is the most beautiful moment of the Eid... Dad giving out the Eidiyah."
Twenty Years Ago
The home grew bustling with the presence of new generations, and Ashraf became the beloved elder of the family.
"Happy Eid, Uncle Ashraf."
"Happy Eid, Grandpa! Where is the Eidiyah?"
"Happy Eid, Uncle Ashraf. I made you the fatteh [a traditional holiday dish]; I hope you like it."
Ten Years Ago
As the weight of time caught up, the household grew quieter. The energy shifted, and interactions with him slowed down.
"Happy Eid, Uncle Ashraf. May these days bring you goodness."
"Why isn't he responding? Never mind... he's an old man... let's not tire him out."
After Seventy Years
The room is quiet. Caregivers now speak over the man who once brought so much life into the holiday, treating him as a mere task.
"Happy Eid, Uncle Ashraf."
"You know he can't hear us... and he doesn't feel us here."
"It is enough that his own family doesn't ask about him or greet him for Eid."
"But they pay us very well and are very generous. I got a substantial Eidiyah from them."
"Is he asleep, or is he tired, or what exactly?"
I wonder...
I wonder...
