(Tsem Rinpoche)

Introduction

One of the major festivals celebrated in Malaysia is Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also called Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya literally means “day of celebration” whilst Aidilfitri is the Malay term for Eid ul-Fitr, which means “festival of breaking the fast”. Celebrated on the first day of the 10th Islamic month (Syawal), it marks the end of the fasting month or Ramadan. As the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, the dates on which Hari Raya Puasa falls vary from year to year. Hari Raya Puasa is not in fact the first day of the Islamic New Year as many people mistakenly believe it to be.

An important aspect of Hari Raya is the practice of “maaf zahir dan batin” which means “pardon my physical and spiritual transgressions”. Aidilfitri is not merely a time for festivities but also a time for making amends and redemption which makes it an important and beautiful celebration. The reason behind the month-long fast of the holy month of Ramadan is to cleanse wrongdoings a person has committed. The people of the beautiful Muslim faith are encouraged to forgive and forget all differences and rejoice over the repair of broken unions, which is the very reason Aidilfitri is celebrated. It is a time for thanksgiving, with activities such as visiting ancestors’ graves, saying prayers at the mosque, and visiting each other to feast on a variety of traditional Hari Raya food.

A few days before Hari Raya, it is common to witness an ‘exodus’ of Muslims in a phenomena fondly known in Malaysia as “balik kampung” or the journey back to their respective hometowns to be with family and loved ones. Plane and bus tickets are usually fully booked or sold out during this period and there are often traffic jams on the highways, as people return home in anticipation of the communal celebrations.

History of Hari Raya Aidilfitri

It is said that after the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) migrated to Medina, he discovered that there was a local custom of spending two days in a year for entertainment, recreation and merriment. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) felt that the days could be better used than for self-indulgence and so he then told the people that the Almighty God had fixed two days of festivity instead, which are now known as Eid al-Fitr (Aidilfitri) and Eid al-Adha (Aidil Adha).

However, it’s not all about festivity and merrymaking, but also has a deeper spiritual significance. The history of this celebration dates back to 610 AD when Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) had visions of the angel Jibril (Gabriel) while meditating. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) wrote down the sacred knowledge he received, guided by Jibril. This later became the holy book called the Quran, the code of conduct adhered to by Muslims (followers of the Islamic religion). It is said that this sacred knowledge was revealed on ‘the Night of Power’, or Laylat al-Qadr, which is one of the odd-numbered nights during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

The Significance of Hari Raya

Aidilfitri or Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan, and it is on this day that the strict rules of the month of Ramadhan end. Fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam that all Muslims observe in order to live a good life. The celebration of Aidilfitri or Eid-ul-Fitr is therefore intended as an expression of gratitude to the Almighty Allah, marked by fasting, prayer and charitable giving.

The observance of Ramadan is stated in the holy Quran, Surah 2, Ayat 185:

“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, guidance for the people and clear proof of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days.”

Fasting

During the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. This fasting does not only mean refraining from taking solid food, but also beverages, abstinence from intimate relations, or any action that it self-satisfying or self-glorifying.

It is believed that from such controlled behaviour, one will develop self-control and gain the power to control desires. In doing so, one cleanses the body and mind during this holy time. During the period of fasting, Muslims remind themselves of the suffering of the poor who are forced by circumstance to undergo hunger and thirst. It is also an opportunity for Muslims to feel the peace that arises from devotion to the Almighty Allah as well as fellowship with other Muslims.

The month-long fast is also an expression of one’s wish to live a wholesome life in accordance and supplication to the Almighty Allah by overcoming temptations. There are exceptions to the rule of fasting: for sick people, those who are traveling, the elderly, pregnant women and nursing mothers. For people in these categories they can defer the Ramadan fasting to a later time. In the case where they are not able to replace the missed days of fasting, they must give food to the needy, also called paying fidyah, for every missed day. Young people are required to start fasting during their adolescent years, and it is considered a method for achieving spiritual growth, despite the many benefits in terms of health or fitness.

In Muslim countries such as Malaysia, most eateries operated by people of the Islamic faith are closed during daylight hours for the month of Ramadan. Muslims consume a meal called sahur (suhoor) before sunrise, go without food, drinks and enjoyment for the remaining daylight hours and then break fast at sunset with a meal called iftar. Iftar usually starts by consuming dates and sweet drinks to provide a quick energy boost followed by night prayers (sembahyang Terawih) after breaking fast.

Apart from being a celebration of gratitude and an occasion to reflect on the kindness of the Almighty Allah, spiritual contemplation is also encouraged and one meditates on one’s own good and bad qualities. Muslims examine their strengths or weaknesses of one’s character during the testing month of Ramadan. This is also the time to ponder on the two extremes of religion and materialism, where materialism teaches man to take from others, while religion on the other hand teaches about giving to God and others, thus obtaining his blessings. In humility and redemption one seeks the opportunity to perform kind and charitable acts. It is an obligation of well-to-do persons to share a portion of what they have with the poor during this time. In the month of Ramadhan, Muslims are oblige to pay zakat fitrah for themselves and their dependents with the specified amount of wheat or equivalent amount of money. Zakat fitrah needs to be paid only once a year during Ramadhan until right before Hari Raya prayer.

On the first day of Aidilfitri, the Solat Aidilfitri (Salaat-al-Eid) prayer is a must and is strongly recommended to be offered in a congregation. It is a special prayer that consists of two rakaat (units) with seven and five additional takbirs. The Khutbah (public preaching or sermon) then follow the prayers. It is during the Khutbah that the Imam (priest) usually reminds the congregation about their duty towards God, as well as towards fellow Muslims and non-Muslims. The Imam (or preacher) will also remind the congregation to do good and refrain from committing sinful or evil deeds. At the end of the session, the congregation offers greetings to each other, and offers suitable gifts to young people. Following this the festivities begin.

Hari Raya prayers at the National Mosque is a serious affair and attended by the country’s king and luminaries

What Do People Do on Hari Raya?

For the religious part of the celebration, Muslims follows the practice of Sunnah of Eid, where one has to:

1. Wake up early.
2. Offer Salatul Fajr (dawn prayer).
3. Prepare for personal cleanliness and grooming, for example clothing and so on.
4. Take a bath after Salatul Fajr.
5. Brush teeth.
6. Dress in the best clothes available which by tradition are new clothes. Men may apply perfume. Women usually either wear the traditional Baju Kurong, Baju Kebaya or Jubah. Men wear the male version of a Baju Kurong together with a Kain Samping (a piece of cloth worn over the trouser of the Baju Kurong). During Hari Raya it is common to see men wear a songkok on their heads as well.
7. Have breakfast before leaving for prayers. To eat before going out is to emphasize the fact that the fast has ended. It is also forbidden to fast on the day of Aidilfitri. It is customary to eat a small sweet breakfast, preferably of dates, before attending a special Eid prayer known as Salaat.
8. Pay Zakat (an obligatory payment made annually under Islamic law and to be used for religion and charitable purposes) before Salaat-al-Eid (the special Eid prayer).
9. Go to the prayer ground early.
10. Offer Salaat-al-Eid to the congregation in an open place except when the weather does not permit due to rain, snow, etc.
11. Use two separate routes to and from the prayer ground. It is said that the reason for this is to manifest the symbols of Islam on both routes, or to manifest the remembrance of Almighty God.

A beautiful aspect of Hari Raya is that it is also a time for children and family to show gratitude and seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings

In Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is special because it has become a show of understanding and harmony amongst the country’s multicultural community. The Malaysian people of all races, and religions visit homes of Muslim friends, to partake in the joy of the occasion. There, they are received warmly and are offered a feast of specially prepared Hari Raya food. Like any other Malaysian celebration, Hari Raya is a celebration for all Malaysians regardless of race, religion and creed.

In Malaysia, Hari Raya is an important to renew bonds of friendship and harmony

Here are two of the most popular Raya songs in Malaysia:

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/SalomaSelamatHariRaya.mp4

“Selamat Hari Raya” is the all-time classic Raya song by the late Malaysian songstress, Saloma, the wife of the icon of Malay entertainment P. Ramlee. This song is simple yet catchy, but one that is widely known by every Malaysian regardless of their ethnicity or race.

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/SuasanaHariRaya.mp4

A joyous Raya song sung by the late Dato’ Sharifah Aini Syed Jaafar. The song is about how one welcomes his or her guest during Hari Raya. Note: This is a karaoke version, the woman in the video is not the original singer.

 
Balik Kampung (Returning to the family home)

The planning of Balik Kampung and purchasing of flight/ bus/ train tickets starts as early as a month before Hari Raya. It is very important to arrive home on time to celebrate this joyous occasion with the family and extended family.

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/SudirmanBalikKampung.mp4

This is one of the most popular classic Raya songs, ‘Balik Kampung’ (returning to the family home) by the late singer Sudirman Arshad.

Oil lamps known as ‘pelita’ in Malaya, are lit from the 20th day of Ramadan to attract spirits and angels alike. It is believed that these lamps bring blessings into homes during the night of Lailatul Qadar (Night of Destiny) when the first verses of the Quran were revealed

Hari Raya Feast

One of the most popular things to do during Hari Raya Aidilfitri is known as ‘open house’. An open house requires that all well-wishing visitors are received regardless of their background. As an act of charity and open heartedness, homes are open and delicious meals are prepared for visitors, which in turn is a showcase of the gastronomic delights of the Malay people. The Hari Raya open house culture has become an important platform for social communication and integration between members of the community and this practice strengthens the social bond of the Malaysian people.

Here is a list of some traditional Hari Raya foods that adds a special touch to the celebration:

Serunding

Serunding is essentially the Malaysian version of meat floss. It is a popular snack during Ramadan and Aidilfitri. Serunding is made of seasoned meat that’s cooked until dry, a method meant to help keep the meat for longer. Meats usually used to make serunding include beef, chicken, anchovy, prawn, and fish, and they are usually used as a filling for buns, pastries, and even burgers.

Satay

The perfect snack for Ramadhan, satay is well-loved all over Southeast Asia. These skewers of grilled meat are usually dipped into crunchy peanut sauce and served with a side of nasi impit (rice cakes) and raw vegetables.

Ketupat

Famously chosen as the symbol for Hari Raya, the ketupat is made of rice boiled in a diamond-shaped pack of hand-woven palm leaf strips. Once cooked, the ketupat is peeled open, cut into slices, and served in place of regular steamed rice with other dishes.

Rendang

It’s everybody’s favourite Raya dish! Rendang is a thick, savoury gravy usually cooked with beef, though any meat or meat substitute can be used. It is served either wet or dry, and is also known for its natural preserving properties due to the antimicrobial spices used in the dish.

Ketupat and satay are favourites during Hari Raya celebrations

Masak Lemak

Masak lemak is a style of cooking based on turmeric-seasoned coconut milk. Common meats used in masak lemak include shellfish and chicken, though vegetables are a popular choice as well. Masak lemak dishes are usually eaten with lemang, or poured over plain white rice.

Asam Pedas

A spicy, sour stew popular in certain parts of Malaysia, asam pedas usually refers to a dish of fish – stewed for long hours until the broth permeates the flesh completely. Tomatoes, lady’s fingers, tamarind, and daun kesom (Vietnamese coriander) are common ingredients of this dish.

Sayur Lodeh

Originally from Indonesia, sayur lodeh is a delicious creamy dish of coconut milk boiled with vegetables such as eggplant, long beans, green chili pepper, tofu, tempeh, and much more. The occasional use of turmeric powder turns the dish yellow, while chilies and spices turn up the heat.

Lemang

Made of glutinous rice, coconut milk, and a sprinkle of salt, lemang usually takes the place of plain rice during the Raya season and is eaten with rendang or curry dishes. This special dish is cooked in a hollowed bamboo stick lined with banana leaves and can take four to five meticulous hours of roasting.

Lontong

Commonly served with nasi impit, lontong is a dish that may be eaten as a full meal, encompassing vegetables and meat in a savoury coconut milk broth. Lontong may also refer to the banana leaf-wrapped rice cake, similar to the lemang.

Bubur Lambuk

Often given out by mosques and food banks during the month of Ramadan, bubur lambuk originates from the Muslim tradition of feeding the poor during this holy season. The porridge has many variations as nearly anything can be added to it, from meats to vegetables and even different sauces and spices for added flavour. Kurma powder is often used as a staple ingredient.

Dodol

This sticky sweet dessert is made from coconut milk, cane sugar, and rice flour stirred constantly in a wok for up to nine hours. The finished product is rolled into shape and wrapped individually in plastic wrappers for those with a sweet tooth to enjoy. Dodol may also be found in durian, soursop, apple, jackfruit, and milk flavours.

Kuih-muih

From the pink layers of kuih lapis to the sugary crust of kuih keria, Malaysia is home to an almost unlimited variety of kuih-muih, a proud testament to the country’s diversity. Malaysian kuih encompasses bite-sized cakes, biscuits, and starchy jellies in all the colours of the rainbow, prepared in uncountable ways.

Hari Raya Etiquette

Here are some helpful tips and information for visitors or expats visiting Malaysia during Hari Raya, in case you are invited to a friend or colleague’s house, or you plan to drop by an open house.

How Should Guests Generally Behave?

Most Muslims do not expect guests to present gifts or cash. If guests insist on presenting something, then sweets, cookies or kuih are best and will be appreciated by most hosts.

Guests should also look out for what not to give, according to traditional Malay and Islamic customs. Guest should avoid wearing clothes that are revealing, while wine, champagne or any other form of alcohol is something that should not be given or partaken in during the period.

Additionally, non-Muslim guests are not expected to be dressed in traditional Malay clothes. However, it might please your hosts, if you made the effort.

What Are the Most Common Hari Raya Puasa Greetings?

“Selamat Hari Raya” is the traditional greeting used by Malay Muslims which means “Happy Hari Raya” and “Maaf Zahir dan Batin” which when translated loosely, means “I seek forgiveness from you”.

A lot of Muslims also say “Eid Mubarak” when they greet each other; the term has Arabic origins. “Eid Mubarak” means “Happy Hari Raya”.

What Else Can You Do to Soak in the Festive Atmosphere?

Festivities begin early, so bear in mind that there are many festivities that occurring during the days leading up to Hari Raya Puasa. The Ramadan bazaars, seen nationwide, are usually filled with rows and rows of stalls selling Hari Raya goodies, costume jewellery, and outfits.

When Visiting

When visiting others during the period, it is customary to observe the following rules of etiquette:

• Dress smartly and neatly. Avoid wearing revealing clothes, such as shorts and sleeveless tops.
• Remove your shoes before entering your host’s house.
• Some women may not be comfortable shaking hands with men. Therefore, the men can choose to acknowledge the women with a smile instead.

The Muslim community is also encouraged to be charitable during this period, and the giving of the monetary packet is a form of such charity. Packets are generally given to children and young adults who are not working. The gift amount is not fixed and it depends on the individual giver.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri in 2017 is expected to commence on the evening of June 25, 2017 and end June 27, 2017.

 
For more interesting information:

• Baba and Nyonya
• Traditional Clothes of Malaysia
• Guan Yin Day
• Gawai Dayak – The Celebration of Bountiful Harvest
• Wesak Day In Malaysia

Tags: celebration, culture, Malaysia

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