Hari Raya Puasa

Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated by Muslims all over the World. It is a joyous occasion for Muslims, as it signifies a personal triumph, a victory of self-restraint and abstinence, symbolising purification and renewal. Most people mistake Hari Raya Puasa for the Muslim New Year, it is actually known as the festival that Marks the end of one month of fasting. ‘Hari Raya’ means day of celebration and ‘Puasa’ means fasting.

Ramadan

Ramadan is one of the names from the Muslim calendar, it’s when all Muslims start fasting for the whole month from dawn till sunset daily. During this period of fasting, apart from eating and drinking Muslims are also prohibited from smoking and any intimate relations during daylight. Muslims are encouraged to avoid cheating, hypocricy and other wrong doing behaviour during the whole month of Ramadan. Only sick Muslims and woman who have their menstruation are excused from fasting during this month, even the young children are taught to fast from the age of 7.

Preparations

The joy of Hari Raya Puasa actually begins before the first day. A week or so before the big day, excitement mounts as the house is readied for the celebration with new furnishing and decorations. Some families also do renovation for the house so that the house would look better when the guests visit it during the festival. Most family would shop for new clothes, curtains and other accessories for their home, an example in Singapore most Muslim would go to the popular muslim area such as Malay Heritage Centre or Geylang Serai to do their shopping. After fulfilling their one-month of fasting, the Muslims would be joyful to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa.

A time to forgive and forget

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.
They feel that the young ones asking forgiveness from their elders is very essential. On the day, they also visit their relatives and friends to celebrate the happy occasion. If you visit Muslim homes on Hari Raya Puasa you can expect to taste a wide variety of delicious spicy dishes. Some favorite dishes that can be found in Muslims homes on this special occasion, especially in Singapore and Malaysia, are ketupat, lontong, nasi padang, beef rendang, sweets and cookies. The Muslims also have the habit of giving packets of money to kids when they go visiting. The packets are usually in green color and children often look forward to get these money tokens on Hari Raya Puasa. Overall, Hari Raya Puasa is a delightful festival for the Muslims.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all my family and friends in Singapore Maaf Zahir Batin.