Hari Raya

Hari Raya Aidiladha

On the 10th day of Zulhijah, the last month of the Muslim calendar, Muslims observe Hari Raya Aidil Adha. This festival is celebrated in conjuction with the pilgrimages performed by Muslims, called the Haj, in the holy city of Mecca. According to the fifth tenet of Islam, Muslims are required to perform a pilgrimage to the holy city at least once in their lifetime. After the completion of the Haj, the pilgrims would sacrifice animals and the meat is distributed among the poor. Upon completion of the Haj, men and women are entitled to wear a white headdress and are addressed as "Haji" and "Hajah" respectively. The day is spent offering thanksgiving prayers and prayers for forgiveness at the mosques early in the morning and visiting friends and relatives later in the day. It is customary for Muslims to hold "open-house" for friends and relatives where a wide selection of traditional Malay food is served.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

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.

Maulud Nabi

A religious festival, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad is known to Muslims as Maulud Nabi. Prophet Muhammad was born on 12 Rabiulawal Ñ the third month of the Muslim calendar in 570 AD. It was only after his death that Muslims began celebrating his birthday to remind them of the Prophet's fight to spread and uphold Islam. His birthday is celebrated with lectures and the recital of verses from the Holy Koran.