Wishing You
A Day With Beautiful Moments
And Cherished Memories!
Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Aidilfitri Celebration, literally means Day of Celebration. Muslims in Malaysia celebrate Aidilfitri like other Muslims throughout the world. It is the biggest holiday in Malaysia, and is the most awaited one. Shopping malls and bazaars will be filled with people days ahead of Hari Raya, causing a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country. Many banks, government and private offices will be closed on this day, which at many time lasts until a week.
The night before Aidilfitri will be filled with the 'takbir' which is held in the mosques or musollas. In many parts of Malaysia, especially in rural areas, oil lamps or 'pelita' will be lit up in house compounds. Aidilfitri also witnesses a huge migratory pattern of the Muslims, from big metropolitan cities to rural areas. This is known as 'balik kampung'~ literally going back to home town to celebrate Aidilfitri with one's parents. Special dishes like ketupat, a type of rice cake; lemang and other Malay delicacies are served during this day.
It is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay costumes on the Eid. The dress for men is called baju melayu which is worn together with songket while the women's are known as baju kurung and baju kebaya. It is also common to see non-Malay Muslims wear costumes of their culture.
Once the prayer is completed, it is also common for Muslims in Malaysia to visit the grave of their loved ones. During this visit, they will clean the grave, perform the recital of the Yasin, a chapter from the Holy Book of Al-Quran. All these are done in hope that their loved ones are blessed by Allah.
Muslims will also seek forgiveness from each other, forgetting past sins and renewing their relationship with others. In Malaysia, the most common greeting is 'Maaf Zahir dan Batin', simply meaning 'I seek forgiveness from my heart and soul'.
The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives, or serving visitors. Aidilfitri is a very joyous day for children for this is the day where adults are extra generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as 'duit raya' from their parents or elders.
Maaf Zahir Dan Batin!
From:
Saharudin Mohd Dan,
Nadilla Mohd Kamil & Muadzam Akhtar Saharudin
PS: 1st Syawal 1427 = 24th October 2006
Photos of celebration will be uploaded soon..!
Stories are excerpt from Wikipedia.com with little amendments!
