Feast vs. Meal
Friday was the Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Adha, the second most significant date in the Islamic calendar. Wherever I read about Eid, it seems to be invariably characterised by ‘feasting’.
Apparently, my non-Muslim friends and acquaintances have a sedentary, civilised ‘Christmas Dinner’ whilst on Eid, my fellow Muslims engorge themselves in a feral, animalistic ‘feast’. In fact, I can’t remember the number of times people ask me if I have a ‘big feast’ after finishing a day’s fasting’…Eid and Ramadan are about self-control, we don’t revert to cavemen after sunset!
Witness BBC News’ reporting of Indonesia’s first post-tsunami Eid-ul-Adha – one paragraph in and ‘feast’ has made an appearance.
Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but the subtleties of language are important and can form prejudices that endure. The choice of ‘feast’ as opposed to ‘meal’ or ‘dinner’ says more about the perception of Muslims than the reality of Islamic life.
If you ever say ‘feast’ and ‘Eid’ to me in the same sentence – I’ll kick your ass.
2 Comments, Comment or Ping
aofije
You’re being too sensitive. Feast doesn’t have a negative connotation. Anyway, Thanksgiving is also often refered to as a feast.
Feb 3rd, 2005
bushra
Apparently, my non-Muslim friends and acquaintances have a sedentary, civilised ‘Christmas Dinner’ whilst on Eid, my fellow Muslims engorge themselves in a feral, animalistic ‘feast’.
are you kidding? preparations for christmas dinner seem to be all important as shops start stocking related merchandise months in advance. then there’s all those adverts for hampers, have you seen how much people will stock up on? the feeding frenzy on Eid is so small fry compared to christmas dinners. i’m not ranting, honest i’m not.
Apr 6th, 2005
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