A Non-Muslim's Guide To Hari Raya
- Alix Tang
- Jun 5, 2018
- 2 min read
Confused about what to do if your Muslim friend just invited you to his/her house for the Hari Raya feast? Well, lets get you started on this magical ride of understanding the traditions of Hari Raya.
Clothes
Source: Google Images
Clothes are one's most potent tools for first impressions, dressing shabbily can either encourage a welcoming smile or an awkward, half-grin. Generally, Hari Raya does not have much in the way of a dress code when it comes to non-Muslim friends, however it would be rude to show up in revealing clothes as modesty is expected at such an occasion. This means, sleeveless tops and shorts are a definite no-no. Try wearing more vibrant colors or green, the lucky color of the Muslim religion
Gifts
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The exchanging of gifts and green packets of money are not mandatory for non-Muslims and no one will hold it against you for forgetting to bring a token of appreciation for them. However, the host will definitely appreciate a free, thoughtful thank you from yourself. Greetings
Source: Google Images
So you’ve finally settled down and gotten comfortable, but you haven’t greeted anyone yet and you’re not sure how. Well for the most part, anyone would understand if you just gave them a simple handshake or a bow, but if you really want to impress the guests, you can lift the persons’ hand and kiss it, however you should avoid greeting the opposite gender this way as its considered inappropriate unless you’re asked to. Dining
Source: Google Images
Now you’re at the table, with everyone sitting down, waiting to break fast, you notice that everyone has no cutleries, what do you do? Well to put it simply, if your hosts hasn’t prepared any cutleries for you, you could either ask for some (which is completely acceptable) or use your hands. This is where it gets a little touchy. The Muslim tradition has always been to eat with only their right hand as the left hand is commonly used for toiletry purposes. This expands to the cutleries too though, as you should never pass food using the utensil on the left hand. Alcohol is also STRICTLY forbidden at the dining table, or the house for that matter as it is considered haram. You should also make an effort to eat as much as you can as reserving your stomach and appetite can be seen as rude and disrespectful to the host. Finally, you should try to hold off eating, snacking or drinking until it is time to break fast as it can be seen as a little inconsiderate as well. Leaving
Source: Google Images
Once you’re done with your meal, it is polite to not stay for too long as there will probably be more guests, thus, it is polite and considerate to leave once you’re done with your meal instead of lying on the couch while you slip into your food coma. Now that you’re more informed of the general etiquettes of Hari Raya, go out there and enjoy some spicy, delicious Muslim cuisine and spend some time with our friends and their loved ones. Selma Hari Raya!
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