🌙Eid Getaway: Canada 🧳
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته أختي مرحباً
Ramadan—the most beautiful of guests—has come and gone. I pray it was merciful to you, rewarding, and full of light. I pray your fasts were accepted, your duas heard, and that Allah continues to shower you in His mercy. As for me, this Ramadan was one I’ll never forget.
I met amazing sisters, shared heartfelt iftars, and reconnected with beautiful souls I hadn’t seen in a while. One highlight was attending Abaya Mall, a beloved event here in my city. When I say packed, I mean shoulder-to-shoulder, mashaa’Allah! Sisters were getting henna done, selling homemade sea moss drinks, pastries, and those viral Arabian perfumes and air fresheners (you know the ones that linger in the best way). Of course, the stars of the show were the abaya vendors—Baytul Hayaa and Covered in Modesty. (Sis, support your sisters—I'll link their shops below!)
I left with a warm pastry and a bottle of fresh elderberry syrup from the Lemonade Splash Shop, already plotting when I’d go back. But little did I know, the best part of this Ramadan would come a few days later...
My Third Trip to Toronto: Ramadan into Eid
It all began on Friday, March 30th, around noon. We rented a Grand Wagoneer—not just for the comfort but because, listen, when you're packing coolers, luggage, and snacks, you need space and style. This car had it all: panoramic sunroofs in all three rows, heated massage seats (yes, massage), a mini-fridge, a huge display screen with Apple CarPlay, and that rich, high-off-the-road kind of vibe. It felt like we were gliding.
We didn’t eat breakfast, so the first thing we did was pull over to make quick sandwiches from our packed lunch meat and condiments—because paying for fast food? Not when we’ve got goals.
Once on the road, I couldn’t help but admire the Pennsylvania countryside—the creeks, the rolling hills, the calm rivers. That scenery just does something to your soul. We made a quick grocery stop at an Aldi’s, and for Maghrib, we found a gem: Masjid At-Tawheed in Buffalo. The sisters there were sweet and welcoming—what a peaceful stop.
We arrived in Pickering, just 30 minutes outside Toronto, around 10:30 PM. Our Vrbo was perfect—spacious and cozy for our group of five. That same night, we made it to the masjid for Taraweeh. I wasn’t praying that evening, but just being in the House of Allah was a blessing. I made so many heartfelt duas while my sister prayed and came out glowing, saying it was one of the most spiritually refueling nights she’d had.
Saturday was chill. We ventured out in the afternoon for a small sisters’ event where a henna artist was working her magic. I passed, but my little sister got hers done while we caught up with old friends. Watching her laugh and bond with Somali tweens her age—this being her first time out of the country—was something special.
That evening we broke our fast at the masjid, and listen: the Somali tea? Allahumma Barik. If you know, you know. Latheeth is an understatement—I had four cups and could’ve had more. Eid was announced after Maghrib, and the masjid was alive with celebration, hugs, and chatter. That night, soaked from rain, we all changed into dry clothes, did laundry, made chai, and ended the night playing Uno. My sister Halimah was new to the game, and the way she was trying to figure it out? We were dying laughing. Classic bonding moment.
Sunday—Eid. 🎈
We were up at Fajr, prayed, showered, got dressed—and then I remembered: I hadn’t given my zakatul fitr! So I dashed to the store, making dua on the drive that Allah would guide me to someone in need. Alhamdulillah, I met a woman there and gave her a bundle of pasta that would help her family. That moment felt divinely aligned.
As we drove to Masjid Istiqama, I couldn’t help but reflect. To fast the whole month. To pray. To be present for Eid, at a masjid upon the creed of Salafiyyah—this was an answered dua. (اللهم تقبل منا صيامنا وقيامنا)
We arrived early. I walked in and instantly saw a familiar face—Khadijah from Morocco, whom I met on my last trip. We picked up right where we left off, laughing, complimenting each other's fits and makeup. I helped her make candy bags for the kids (and helped myself to a few candies, too, lol). Another sister I’d met earlier that week, Aisha, joined us, and we swapped stories—me from Philly, them from Toronto. The masjid buzzed with greetings: “Eid Mubarak!” “Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum!”—hugs and love filled the air.
Then I heard the familiar voice of Faa'isal Qadir leading the takbeerat. A brother whose lectures I’ve listened to for years. Hearing his voice in person? Surreal. Pure joy flooded me.
We prayed. I made heartfelt duas. I felt spiritually lifted and at peace.
Afterward, we headed back for our Eid brunch: scrambled cheese eggs, halal bacon, waffles, and—you already know—chai with milk. The rain kept us inside, which led to the perfect post-Eid nap from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Dinner plans fell through, but Allah’s Qadr is always best. We still ended up at a sushi spot in Woodbridge (can’t remember the name) and ordered spring rolls, calamari, and Shirley Temples. We didn’t finish everything—your eyes are always bigger than your stomach after Ramadan—but it was so good.
To end the night, we took a quiet walk near Lake Ontario, standing on rocks, gazing out at the foggy skyline. The city was dreamy. Lights glimmered through the mist, and for a moment, time paused.
Our Last Day
Monday, we met Aisha for brunch at a cozy café in Scarborough, home to a big Muslim community. I ordered a beef pastrami melt with—you guessed it—chai. It was my first time trying pastrami and mashaa’Allah, it slapped! Sabiyah got Nutella French toast, Halimah had an avocado toast bagel, and Aisha, ever sweet and patient (we were an hour late!) had the same as me. May Allah bless her for her kindness.
We squeezed in a final stop to Burger Factory—our favorite halal burger spot, way better than Five Guys—and grabbed last-minute souvenirs: mugs, magnets, socks from Dollarama. I even found some exclusive Canadian snacks at Dollar Tree. I brought my cousin ketchup-flavored Takis—yes, you read that right—and she loved them.
The Ride Home
We left at 6 PM, later than planned, and didn’t reach home until 2 AM. Halimah drove to Buffalo, then I took over. Everyone else? Knocked out. It was just me, some lectures, podcasts, and random phone calls, fighting to stay awake. I kept rolling the windows down to let the cold night air slap me awake. I should have pulled over, but I had to get these kids home in time for school (and I did).
The beautiful Pennsylvania views I loved on the way up were hidden in darkness, but I still caught glimpses—the Susquehanna River at 11 PM, moonlight bouncing off the water. Even in the dark, it held beauty.
Until Summer, In shaa’ Allah, Toronto...
You were so good to us. I’ll cherish the memories, the sisters, the food, the laughs, and the peace. I’m already dreaming of the next trip—and more sushi, of course.
Shop & Support the Sisters!
- Covered In Modesty – Islamic Wear for the Family
- Lemonade Splash – Lemonades, Flavored Seamoss & Elderberry
Such an amazing journey and beautiful writing. Thank you for sharing 💕
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