Hari Raya

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the Malay translation of the Arabic, universally used term Eid ul-Fitr. In Malaysia, Eid is one of the most important holidays and is celebrated on a grand scale. The celebrations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also known as Hari Raya Pausa) are not just limited to the customary two or three days but in fact seem to stretch for the entire month. In Malaysia, the official public holidays for Hari Raya Aidilfitri extend over two days.

Malaysia’s celebration of Eid ul-Fitr features several unique aspects many of which are explained herewith:-.

Ramadan Bazaars

Hari Raya is usually preceded by the holy, Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.  Fasting during Ramadan is believed to have a purpose, for it is said that the person who fasts for Ramadan learns several lessons like patience, humility and sacrifice during the ordeal.  By way of the Ramadan fasts, Muslims ask for forgiveness for past sins as they exercise self-restraint and also perform good deeds.  However, all is not somber and dreary during Ramadan in Malaysia, for an important aspect of the festival in Malaysia, is its many, lively Ramadan bazaars. These specially erected markets serve as congregation points for Muslims who need to break their fast at dusk.  These markets thus offer a wide array of savory and sweet treats for iftar and attract both Muslims as well as non-Muslims.

Hari Raya Sales and Promotions

Most people tend to buy new clothes and gifts for the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Hence most malls and stores announce various promotions and sales in the weeks leading up to Hari Raya as they encourage the fasting public to come out and make purchases before the festival.  The malls around Malaysia usually sport elaborate decorations for the Hari Raya sales and traditional Hari Raya music can also be heard all around.

Balik Kampong

The  Malay term ‘balik kampong’ refers to the mass exodus that takes place from big towns and cities around Malaysia, as people travel home to spend the Hari Raya holidays with their families and friends

Preparations for Hari Raya

In the days preceding Hari Raya, homes are cleaned and ingredients are purchased for the planned, elaborate Hari Raya feasts. Most homes situated in the lush Malaysian countryside are also adorned with many twinkling, traditional oil lamps known as ‘pelita’ or ‘panjut’.

Hari Raya greetings

On the day before Hari Raya, Muslims in Malaysia traditionally recite a prayer known as takbir  at various mosques and other prayer congregations.  As Hari Raya or the ‘Day of Celebration’ breaks, people greet each other by saying ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ or ‘Happy Eid’ .

Another common greeting for Eid in Malaysia is  “maaf zahir dan batin” which  translates as ‘I seek forgiveness from you’ for  Hari Raya is believed to indicate a time of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Hari Raya Rituals

Like various other ethnic communities Malays tend to sport traditional attire for Hari Raya. Thus Malay men usually wear the traditional Barju Melayu(a stiff-collared long-sleeved shirt with trousers) for the occasion, while Malay women either wear the  baju kurung( a demure, long sleeved  gown) or then the baju kebaya( a two-piece ensemble of a long sleeved blouse and long skirt). 

Muslims in Malaysia also usually visit the graves of their loved ones after Eid prayers on the morning of Hari Raya. They sweep the graves and perform a ceremony called Yasin as they pray for the departed souls.

The Hari Raya festivities then get underway as families host ‘open houses’ during which friends and families visit and are plied with plentiful eats especially prepared for the festival. Traditional favorites like Rendang, Ketupat(steamed rice cake) and kuihs(traditional multi-layered, colorful cakes) usually feature on the menu.

Young children especially enjoy the occasion, for they are given small monetary gifts known as ‘duit raya’  by their parents and elders. The Hari Raya celebrations usually continue late into the evening and feature fabulous fireworks displays as well.