Malay Races

Hari Raya Puasa

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri or Hari Raya Puasa is the most significant festival for Muslims as it marks the end of the fasting month. The day is most significant as it includes two of the five tenets of Islam: to fast during Ramadhan, and to pay zakat fitrahÑalms tax. After a month of fasting, Muslims celebrate the first of Syawal, which is the 10th month of the Muslim calendar, with joyous enthusiasm. By the eve of Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims would have paid their alms tax which is then distributed to the poor. Muslims usher in the day by the morning prayers in mosques followed by visits to the graves of the departed. It is also the time for the family reunions when people gather to forgive and forget past quarrels. It is every Muslim's religious virtue to ask for pardon on this day and this is done in order of the family seniority. The festive mood is reflected with the lighting of oil lamps. The lamps are lighted from the 20th day of Ramadhan, the night when the Koran was sent down, right through the actual day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri itself. All mosques, homes, government and commercial buildings are decorated and brightly lit to mark the significant day. The celebrations last a month and although the first three days are celebrated on the grander scale, many Muslims hold "open-house" throughout the month to accommodate friends.

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