Hari Raya Aidilfitri:What It's Suppose To Mean

As all Muslims know, Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the beginning of the month of Syawal and the end of the month of Ramadhan, or the month of fast. Well, this is completely true, to a great extent, but I think that there is so much more to the issue over Hari Raya than just that. Some are just so completely ignorant over this and just don't agree to this point of view.

From what I have noticed from the common point of view of many non-Muslims, they simply view Hari Raya as some average, ordinary public holiday for Muslims to celebrate. But by figuring merely just this point of view, they are, in an certain, ignorant kind of way, and to a particularly certain extent, both wrong and right. The aforementioned opinion which non-Muslims commonly voice out over this special occasion is just only a tiny piece of the puzzle. The real definition is what I'll be explaining right here and now.

Hari Raya in the Malay language literally means "Day of Celebration", and it is the time for Muslims and non-Muslims to reconcile and renew relationships with each other. 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. In big cities and towns, shopping malls and commercial centres will hold big promotions and price discounts for festive shoppers as people purchase clothes and supplies. Decorations are hung in public areas and Hari Raya songs will be played in shopping complexes. The media, such as the television will host various programs in conjunction with the celebrations.
Many people also traditionally return to their hometown 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.

Usually on the eve of the celebrations, family members, especially mothers and housewives, will be busy preparing food, cakes, sweets, biscuits and various delicacies to be served on the day of Hari Raya. Delicacies such as ketupat or rice cake and a meat cuisine called rendang are among the most famous cuisines that are served during this day. Other family members will help in other chores such as decorating and cleaning up the house. It is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay costumes. The dress for men is called baju Melayu while the women's are known as baju kurung and baju kebaya. The beginning of the day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri will be marked by children using fireworks in a display of celebration.

While it is in the wee hours of the morning where Muslim attend mosques to perform the Eid prayer while taking chances to exchange greetings with each other, the rest of the day is simply spent for them to visit relatives or serve visitors. It is during this period of the day where the joyous part for children and teenagers begin. They would receive money known as Duit Raya from their parents and elders as a generous offer.

Thus, this all ends over the real definition of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. From what I think, there may be more to this festive season, but I think this is where I should leave it, for now.