Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is widely celebrated among the Muslims to commemorate their one month of fasting prior to the occasion. While celebrations can last up to a month, the most festive time is the period of Ramadhan itself, where Muslims are busy observing their period of abstinence by fasting and performing acts of charity.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the Malay term for Eid ul-Fitr. Hari Raya is also known as Lebaran. Muslims in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore celebrate Eid like other Muslims throughout the world. The term “Hari Raya” literally means “Day of Celebration”. The main greeting used by Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore is “Selamat Hari Raya” which means “Happy Eid”. Another greeting is “maaf zahir dan batin” which translates loosely to “I seek forgiveness (from you) physically and spiritually”, for Hari Raya is a time to ask for forgiveness, reconcile and renew relationships with others.



Fasting

During the month of Ramadan leading up to Hari Raya, it is mandatory for Muslims to fast. All Muslims except the young, old or infirm must fast. They do not eat or drink anything from dawn until dusk. Fasting is meant to teach the person patience, sacrifice and humility. Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of their God, Allah, and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

Preparation

On the eve of Hari Raya, Muslims will recite the takbir, which is held in mosques and surau (smaller place of worship). In some communities, there will be congregations reciting the takbir from house to house. they wearing a special clocth in this celebrations known as "baju melayu" for mans and "baju kurung" for woman.

baju melayu

baju kurung

In big cities and towns, shopping malls and commercial centres will hold big promotions and sales for festive shoppers to purchase clothes and raya goodies. Decorations are hung in public areas and Hari Raya songs will be played in the radios and shopping complexes. The media, such as the television will host various programs in conjunction with the celebrations.

ketupat

 

Kueh-kueh or sweets like pineapple tarts, ondeh-ondeh and putu piring (local traditional desserts) are popular this season.. Some local delights like sticky glutinous rice with beef rendang (braised beef in spices), sayur lodeh (vegetable cooked in curry) and ketupat (Malay rice cakes) are some of the old world recipes.




Many people also traditionally return to their home town generally from big metropolitan cities to rural areas. This is known as balik kampung — literally going back to one’s home town to celebrate Hari Raya with family and friends.