To anyone reading this, Hari Raya Eid ul-Fitr(festivity and charity) is drawing nearer as the mark of the end of Ramadhan. May all that has passed be forgiven and forgotten. Let this be a new beginning for a new path leading to the same destination.
A road that begins and ends well.
Ramadhan is a holy month where Muslims around the world fast for about 30 days. The night before Eid is with the takbir which is held in the mosques. In many parts of Indonesia as well as Malaysia, especially in rural areas, pelita(oil lamps) are lit up in house compounds. Eid also witnesses a huge migratory pattern of Muslims and Non-Muslims, from around the country to their home town. This is known as balik kampung.
Muslims also greet one another with”maaf zahir dan batin” in Malaysian, which means “Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)”, because Eid ul-Fitr is not only for celebrations but also the time to cleanse their sins and strengthen their ties with relatives and friends.
It is customary for Indonesians and Malaysians to wear traditional cultural outfits on the Eid. The outfit for men is called baju melayu or baju koko in Indonesia which is worn together with kain samping (made out of songket) and songkok (a dark coloured headgear); in Indonesia the men will usually wear pants with similar color to the shirt or (normal black pants) and a (black head cover called) [Peci]. The women in Indonesia and Malaysia wear what is 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 Indonesia and Malaysia to visit the graves of loved ones. During this visit, they clean the grave, recite Ya-Seen, a chapter (surah) from the Qur’an and also perform the tahlil ceremony. All these are done to ask for God to forgive the dead and also those who are living.
The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors. Eid ul-Fitr is a very joyous day for children for on this day adults are especially generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as “duit raya,” from their parents or elders.
Non-Muslims have also in the past put themselves in the picture, joining in the festivities and bringing Malaysia an Eid ul-Fitr unlike any other. This major occasion is amongst the busiest in Malaysia with participation from all races, strengthening the unity that has held this country together for so long. A selfless feeling that makes everyone smile together and let go of the past.
A sense of a big home. A truly Muhibbah feeling.



