The last party I went to was a naming ceremony for a newborn baby. It wasn’t just any regular ceremony to me, it was something special because of who invited me and what I got to experience. The host was actually my team leader at work. We both work at Bravetech Agency, and over time, we’ve built a good working relationship. So, when he invited me to celebrate his newborn, I felt honoured and excited to be part of it.
Before this, I had never attended a Muslim naming ceremony, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I just knew it would be something different from what I’m used to, and I was genuinely curious. I made sure to arrive early because I didn’t want to miss anything important, and I also thought it would be a good way to show respect to my team lead and his family.
The moment I got there, I could feel the calm and peaceful energy around the house. It wasn’t a loud or wild kind of party, it was more spiritual, respectful, and family-oriented. Everyone was dressed nicely, and the house was filled with love and joy. You could see how happy the parents were, and how excited the family was to welcome their new baby.
One thing that stood out for me was how organized everything was. The ceremony had a flow. A cleric came in to perform the main part of the naming. He recited prayers from the Qur’an, blessed the child, and then announced the baby’s name. It was beautiful to watch, even though I didn’t understand everything that was said. But the respect and meaning behind each action were clear, and I could tell this was more than just a tradition, it was a deep spiritual practice.
After the naming, there was food. And not just regular food, proper home-cooked meals that tasted amazing. There was rice, meats, small chops, and local drinks. I could tell the family went all out to make sure everyone felt comfortable. I even got to try a few things I had never eaten before, and honestly, it made me appreciate the richness of other cultures more.
Apart from the food and prayers, another highlight was the people. I met some of my team lead’s extended family and friends, and they were all very warm and welcoming. Even though we came from different backgrounds, everyone was treated the same. There was laughter, casual gist, and a sense of togetherness that made me feel like I wasn’t just a guest, I was part of the moment.
The experience was truly eye-opening for me. It reminded me how important it is to learn about and respect other people’s beliefs and cultures. Being part of that event helped me see a different side of my team lead, too. At work, he’s professional and focused, but at the naming, I saw him as a proud father, a loving husband, and someone deeply rooted in his faith. It made me appreciate him more and respect him on another level.
In the end, I left the party feeling full, not just from the food, but from the experience itself. It was simple, peaceful, and meaningful. It taught me that no matter how different people may seem, there’s always something you can learn from being open and showing up. I’m really glad I went, and I’ll never forget how that day made me feel.
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