SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI

END OF RAMADAN

Performing Zakah

    During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking)

HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI OR EID AL-FITR MUBARAK

   At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous celebration called Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri or Selamat Hari Raya Puasa (used by the Malays) or Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking). Hari Raya Aidil Fitri or Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy. 

Aidil Fitri Prayers in Singapore



   On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer. After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes “Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri” for the holiday. These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the entire 3-day period is an official government/school holiday but in the Malays in Malaysia usually celebrates the whole month of Syawal. 

     During this festive season, the Malays in Malaysia will have the tradition of “Balik Kampung”, going back to their villages to visit families. There is also tradition of giving “duit raya”small token of money put in small envelope to the children, making it the highlight of raya for them. During Hari Raya Aidil Fitri also you can observe, everyone wishes each other with “Selamat Hari Raya dan Maaf Zahir Batin”, as an act to ask for forgiveness for any wrong doings. This act is to rekindle and strengthen the bond of family and brotherhood.



Son ask forgiveness from his father

    The Malays in Malaysia they have a distinct dish for the Hari Raya such as ketupat(rice cooked in coconut leaves), lemang( glutinous rice cooked in bamboo, rendang (meat cooked in coconut milk and spices), kuah kacang (peanut souce) and many more. The Hari Raya decorations in the malls, houses and mosque will be based on the above delicacies.

             Lemang                                  Ketupat