Pinterest Iftars, Eid Expectations & Charity Guilt

Assalamu Alaikum, girlie!🌸

Okay, it’s time for a pep talk—Ramadan is beautiful, but for many of us, there is a ton of pressure. From extravagant girl iftars to the guilt of "not giving enough" to the stress of pulling up to Eid like you walked off a runway—it's A LOT. And let’s not even talk about the FOMO when everyone else seems to have a picture-perfect Ramadan while you’re just trying to keep up. 😩

So today, we’re tackling the social pressures of Ramadan—because sis, if there’s anything you deserve this month, it is PEACE.

Here's what we’re getting into:
✔️ How to handle the pressure of extravagant iftars & social expectations
✔️ Why giving in charity shouldn't leave you broke
✔️ Eid expectations & how to celebrate your way
✔️ Letting go of guilt & embracing your unique Ramadan experience

Let’s get into it. 💖

✨ The "Perfect Ramadan" Pressure (aka, social media is a lie)

Scrolling through Tiktok and seeing girls hosting aesthetic iftar parties, decorating their homes like Pinterest, and somehow finishing the Qur’an twice while making 10-course meals? Yeah, it can make you feel like you’re doing Ramadan wrong.

But let’s be real: Ramadan isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about sincerity, trying to attain taqwa. And guess what? The people of knowledge weren’t out here curating the perfect iftar tablescape. 😭 So if your Ramadan doesn’t look like an influencer’s, you’re doing just fine.

🔹 Set social media boundaries – Unfollow or mute if certain content makes you feel inadequate. Protect your peace.
🔹 Keep it simple – You don’t need a full buffet for iftar. Dates, water, and a proper meal that nourishes you? That’s more than enough.
🔹 Do Ramadan for you – Focus on your spiritual goals instead of comparing your journey to others. You’re not behind, girl.

It’s YOUR Ramadan experience. Not your cousin’s, not your friend’s, and definitely not some random influencer’s.

💡 Pro Tip: If you do want to host, make it stress-free! Potlucks, simple meals, and even ordering takeout (yes, it counts) keep the vibes high without the burnout.

💸 Giving in Charity (Without Going Broke)

Ramadan is the month of generosity, and we all want to give as much as possible. But sometimes, the pressure to donate to every cause can leave you financially stressed.

You shouldn’t feel guilty for giving within your means—Islam teaches us balance, not burnout.

🔹 Create a sadaqah budget – Decide in advance how much you can give so you’re not feeling pressured last-minute.
🔹 Give in different ways – Money isn’t the only way to give. Your time, skills, and even sharing beneficial knowledge all count as sadaqah.
🔹 Zakah planning = less stress – If you’re due to pay Zakah, calculate it early so you’re not scrambling at the end of Ramadan.

💡 Pro Tip: Set up automatic donations with trusted charities like Spot Project to spread your giving throughout the month without worrying about forgetting.

🎁 Eid Expectations & Spending Pressure

The group chats are already buzzing about Eid fits, expensive gifts, and luxury brunch plans—and suddenly, your wallet is shaking. 💸 But the truth is, Eid shouldn’t bring about financial stress.

🔹 Set an Eid budget – How much can you comfortably spend on gifts, clothes, and celebrations? Stick to that number.
🔹 Shop early to avoid price hikes – don’t be a last minute girl, running through the Eid bazar trying to find an outfit
🔹 Rethink expensive traditions – Eid isn’t about outdoing each other. Meaningful gifts, DIY presents, or even a heartfelt letter can be way more special than something pricey.

💡 Pro Tip: Suggest a gift exchange instead of buying for everyone individually—it’s fun and budget-friendly!

Sis, don’t let societal expectations steal the peace and purpose of Ramadan. Protect your energy, set boundaries, and do what’s best for YOU.

✔️ Social media isn’t real life—don’t compare your journey.
✔️ Give in charity with sincerity—barakah comes from Allah.
✔️ Celebrate Eid in a way that makes sense for your budget.
✔️ Your Ramadan could still be is valid, even if it doesn’t look like someone else’s.

May Allah fill your Ramadan with barakah, ease, and accepted deeds. And if anyone tries to stress you out, just smile, take a sip of your post-iftar chai, and say, "In this economy?"

You got this, girlie!

Until next week,

Fatimah💎

Founder, Finance Girlie