Eid for Nylah

Nylah the cat is making her usual visits to the homes on her street, but something is very odd tonight. All the children she visits are distracted, but Nylah doesn’t understand why. First, Nylah visits Bilal but he’s too busy putting up decorations to play. So Nylah wanders into the next home to see Reem. But Reem is waiting for the swirly patterns painted on her hands to dry and can’t play with the four-legged visitor either. And so the pattern continues: each house she visits, she watches as her young friends prepare food, lay out fancy clothes and wrap presents. And one by one, they all send her away. Why doesn’t anyone want to play with Nylah this evening? 

But in the morning, it all makes sense. The neighbours had been busy preparing for one of the most special days of the year – Eid. Morning prayers have been performed and the whole neighbourhood has come out to celebrate. And finally, all the children on the street have time to play with their feline friend. 

Seen through the eyes of a curious cat, Farook shares a fun tale of community celebration and the importance of Eid al-Fitr. Each home Nylah the cat visits, readers experience the different ways Muslims prepare for this special festival, from cleaning and decorating their homes to cooking splendid feasts and buying new clothes. 

The story ends with a letter from the author in which she shares interesting information about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr and also reflects on her own childhood memories of the religious festival.