Nature Journals I - Entry 6

Over spring break, I was able to celebrate Eid, which is one of the most important holidays in Islam, and I noticed how much of the experience was connected to being outdoors. During Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset without food or water, and by the end of the month, the community feels very alive. Most nights are spent at the mosque praying, and there is a strong sense of togetherness. What stood out to me this year was how many of these moments happened outside, not just inside a building.

The night before Eid, people gather to sight the moon, which marks the official end of Ramadan. In the first picture I took, you can see the thin crescent moon in the sky just after sunset. The sky had a soft gradient from orange to blue, and everything felt quiet and still. There was something really meaningful about looking up and waiting for that small detail in the sky to confirm such an important moment. It reminded me that even with all the structure of religion, there is still a direct connection to nature built into it.

The next morning was Eid, and after the prayer at the mosque, everyone moved outside. In the second picture, you can see how crowded and active the space was. Families were gathered, kids were running around, and there were inflatables set up for them to play. It felt less like a formal event and more like a community coming together in an open space. Being outside made it feel more relaxed and real, instead of confined.

Later that day, my family hosted an Eid gathering at our house, and we set everything up in the backyard. In the third picture, you can see the long table we prepared with the sunset behind it. The sky was fading behind the trees, and you could hear the water from the small waterfall next to the pool. Sitting outside with family, eating, and watching the light change made the whole day feel more complete.