Yasmin Hanif’s debut picture book, Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name, begins at Eid, when Abdullah’s parents give him a teddy bear as a gift. As Muslims around the world observe Ramadhan (or Ramadan) and prepare for Eid-al-Fitr, we asked Yasmin what Eid means for her.

I think the most authentic way to talk about Eid and what it means to me is to take you through the day as I experience it.

There are two Eid’s each year, often informally called the ‘big’ Eid and the ‘small’ Eid. Ramadhan is a month of fasting, prayer and reflection and is followed by a big celebration called Eid al-Fitr. It may be known as the ‘small’ Eid because it lasts fewer days than Eid al-Adha, but it is only small in name, not in spirit.

Much like Christmas and other religious holidays, there is an excited build-up. The house is cleaned and decorated, new clothes are chosen, and the kitchen is stocked to bursting. Local halal butchers and Asian supermarkets buzz with anticipation.

On Eid morning, one of my favourite traditions is cooking seviyan, thin vermicelli noodles simmered in sweetened milk with cardamom. That first warm bowl — comforting and fragrant — is the moment Eid begins for me.

Afterwards, we prepare for Eid prayers at the mosque. I like to go early before it fills, though it is beautiful to see it packed, everyone dressed in their best and exchanging smiles and Eid Mubarak.

Once prayers are done, we return home to cook. Another thing that makes Eid special for me is Mum’s authentic Pakistani cooking, particularly her fluffy rice and rich, perfectly spiced chicken curry. It simply wouldn’t be Eid without it.

My sisters and their families arrive throughout the day with gifts and cards, and we share lunch together. The elders give Eidi, usually money, to the younger ones, and it is a tradition that never loses its magic.

If we’re not too tired, we venture out at a community event or share Eid with friends.

For me, Eid is about gratitude, joy and togetherness — a celebration of faith, of everything achieved during Ramadhan, and the many blessings we have and carry forward from there.

Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name!

To celebrate Eid, Abdullah’s parents give him a cuddly teddy bear. The bear used to belong to Abdullah’s dad, his abba, and it has a name, but Abba won’t say what it is!

Abdullah and his new bear become inseparable, but he can’t guess what its name is. His siblings, friends and classmates all have suggestions – Bertie, Katie, Olivia, Edward – but none of them feels right. Then Abdullah has an idea. What if the bear has a name like his name?

Yasmin Hanif wrote Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name! after working with schoolchildren on a project to tackle the lack of diversity in children’s books. The story was inspired by the real-life experience of children from South Asian backgrounds defaulting to traditionally European names for a teddy bear. Find out more about the story behind the book in this video.