Lest We Forget

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also known as Eid ul-Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Here in Malaysia, the celebration is a mixture of Islamic practices and local customs.

According to Perlis Mufti Dr Juanda Jaya, there are no compulsory duties that Muslims must perform specifically for Hari Raya.

“The celebration of Raya itself, though, is a duty and required of the religion,” says Juanda.

However, Muslims are encouraged to follow certain practices like cleansing the body on Raya morning before heading to the mosque and wearing new clothes.

“You should congratulate one another for completing the act of fasting, terawih (Ramadan prayers) etc,” says Juanda.

Aside from reciting praises (tahmid) and expressions of faith to God (takbir), men, women and children are urged to attend Raya prayers (solat) and listen to Raya sermons. In the past, Prophet Muhammad took different routes to and from the mosque in order to meet and greet more fellow Muslims, hence Muslims are urged to visit one another and prepare food for guests.

Giving alms to the poor is also a common practice during Raya.

Raya visits, greetings and the serving of delicacies are meant to strengthen brotherhood and to herald a new start after the act of forgiveness. And giving alms is aimed at narrowing the disparity between the poor and rich.

So which Raya practices are derived from customs rather than religion?

“The types of Raya delicacies, drinks and clothes, and lights and decorations are based on Malay culture,” explains Juanda.

“Visiting your ancestors` graves on Raya day is against Islam because it will evoke sadness whereas Hari Raya is supposed to be a happy day. And to celebrate Raya more than three days is excessive,” adds Dr Juanda.

He feels that people tend to waste food and over-eat these days. In his opinion, playing with firecrackers or fireworks is also inappropriate because it is deemed an excess.

Alas, some traditions are fading amongst today`s younger generation, Dr Juanda points out. People are less inclined to visit their relatives and grandparents, especially those living out of town or in the villages.

“And the act of donating food to the poor has been replaced by green angpow which is not an Islamic or Malay tradition,” he adds.

“Also, Compared to the past, Muslims today aren`t inviting their non-Muslim friends (as much) to celebrate the occasion together. Isn`t the joy of Raya meant to be shared with family and friends of all races?” he asks.

Source: http://thestar.com.my
Photo: http://www.yanswersblogmy.com

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