Eid Mubarak!
- Insyirah Nurul
- Jun 4, 2018
- 3 min read
Eid al-Fitr, also known as Eid Mubarak, Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa is an important and joyous religious holiday celebrated by the Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan - the Islamic holy month of fasting. The celebration concludes the 29 or 30 days of dawn-dusk fasting during the entire month of Ramadan.
Source: Google Images
Eid al-Fitr was originated by the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. It is observed on the first month of Syawwal at the end of Ramadan. In certain traditions, these holidays were found in Medina after the migration of Muhammad from Mecca. The Prophet found people celebrating two specific days in Madinah in which they used to entertain themselves with merriment and recreation. He questioned them about the festivities at which they said these days were occasions of fun celebration. At this, the Prophet remarked that the Almighty has fixed two days of festivities.
Source: Google Images
The scrumptious and mouth-watering food during Hari Raya or even any festivities is crucial. If you are lucky enough to be invited to a Hari Raya open house, you’ll find a wide variety spread of food lying on the table. The common and known ones are beef rendang (spicy beef stew), sayur lodeh (vegetables cooked in coconut milk gravy) along with fluffy white rice and ‘ketupat’ (rice cakes).
Source: Google Images
‘Ketupat’ is a type of dumpling made from rice which is packed inside a diamond-shape container of woven palm leaf pouch. The ketupat is an essential during Eid as it gives and completes the Hari Raya ‘vibe’. It is commonly found in Asia especially during the Eid period. The leaves are not as commonly sold as they used to be at least in Singapore so we use rice cakes as an alternative. It takes practices and skills to wrap it. As the rice cooks, the grains expand to fill in the pouch and the rice will compress.
Source: Google Images
Eid will absolutely be no fun without the colourful outfits. Baju Melayu is a traditional clothing for Muslim men. It comes with a songkok and a samping which is wrapped around the waist. The Baju Kurung and Baju Kebaya are traditional clothes for Muslim women. These clothes are usually made with songket and luxurious textile like silk or cotton. Many designs and patterns are introduced every year to be added into the collection. Fashion trends tend to come and go so it is not surprising to see women dressed in kaftans which is similar to long dresses or even batik-designed baju kurung made from a dazzling array of prints.
Source: Google Images
On the day of Hari Raya, Muslims usually wake up early to visit the mosque and thank God for the blessings they have in life. They also seek forgiveness from their elders and receive ‘green’ packets of money. ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ is the traditional greeting used by Muslims. It means Happy Hari Raya. ‘Maaf zahir dan batin’ is also usually used right after the greeting which means ‘I seek forgiveness from you.’ Try looking out the window on the morning of Hari Raya and you will definitely see brightly clothed people. Many families in Singapore enjoy wearing the traditional clothes in the same shades or colours. It is doubtlessly one of the highlights during Hari Raya as everybody will look vibrant and full of positive energy in their Baju Kurung.
Source: Google Images
They will spring clean their houses during Ramadan in order to make their homes look proper and attractive for guests during visiting. They also like to display the colourful lights outside or even inside their homes to show that they are celebrating Eid or to just get in the mood for the festive season.The most popular place to visit during the festive period is definitely Geylang Bazaar. The bazaar held at Geylang Serai are usually filled with rows and rows of stalls selling Hari Raya goodies, outfits, jewelry, home decorations and much more. Even though the bazaar is getting more trendy or ‘hipster’ each year especially with the food, the place is still a must to go for all Muslims because they have everything there for Hari Raya.
Source: Google Images
In conclusion, Hari Raya is an anticipating, lively and convivial holiday for every Muslim family each year as it brings joy and it is one of the happiest occasion to have ever experience. I’d like to wish everyone, especially my Muslim friends, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!
