The Hari Raya Puasa Festival of our Muslim Brothers
The Hari Raya Puasa literally known as “Celebration Day of Fasting” is the Malay term for the Muslim Festival of Eid ul-Fitr. It is used to refer to Eid ul-Adha in the form of “Hari Raya Aidiladha”. The main greeting used by Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore is “Selamat Hari Raya” which means “Happy Eid” in Malay. Hari Raya Puasa is considered the most significant celebrations for Muslims. It marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan (or Bulan Puasa” in Malay) and is a time of abstinence, contemplation, and worship for Muslims.
During Muslim month of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam Including the noble deed of giving. The third pillar of Islam, which is fasting, is practiced during the month of Ramadan. Many Muslims also abstain from pleasures such as cigarettes and sexual activities during the daylight of the fasting month. Widely, markets, or ‘Ramadan bazaars’ are held in many areas around the country, where all sorts of food and kuih (traditional Malay delicacies) are sold for breaking fast or buka puasa.
On the eve of Hari Raya, Muslims will recite the takbir, which is held in mosques and and surau (smaller place of worship). In some communities, there will be congregations reciting the takbir from house to house. Also, many people traditionally return to their hometown generally from big metropolitan cities to rural areas. This is known as “balik kampong”, literally going back to one’s home town to celebrate Hari Raya with family and friends.
Celebration for Hari Raya Puasa starts at least a month ahead, during the fasting period of Ramadan. Women start to sew beautiful curtains and buy new clothes for the family. Some families also do renovation for the house so that the house would look better when the guests visit it during the festival. After fulfilling their one-month of fasting, the Muslims would be joyful to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. On the morning of the festival, the Muslims would wear their new clothes and go to the mosque to pray. They offer their thanks to God and after that they would ask for forgiveness from their elders. This is an important custom followed by the Muslims.
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