Malaysianstudies

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

The History of Hari Raya

Hari Raya was introduced by Prophet Muhammad. When he arrived at Madinah, the believers have to wake up early in the morning, and to prepare themselves for the huge day. They have to wear the best clothes, and to go to the mosque for the Morning Prayer. Moreover, it is also important to give charity to the poor. Each Muslim has to do so, depending on the possibilities.

After the ceremony, the festivals for Hari Raya begin. People visit their friends and relatives, greeting themselves with special salutes. Depending on the country, there is also the custom to give money and other gifts to the people they visited us. Especially the children of the respective families must receive gifts, under the forms of sweets and money.

Even if this is not a custom in the small villages, in the majority of Islamic cities, a banquet is held to celebrate the the end of Ramadan.  For the countries with a predominant Islamic population, the public institutions are closed for this day. Moreover, in the cities with a large number of tourists special nights and events are organized.

Prayers are performed by the men in the various mosques in their area. Sermons are read out and the devout reflect in the messages in these passages. Afterwards, male volunteers participate in “korban”, or sacrificial rites of rams, sheep and cow hosted by several mosques across the country. In Singapore, most of the livestock for the sacrifice had to be imported and distributed months ahead in order to cover the demand. Well-off Muslim families would often donate any one of these animals to a mosque. The meat will then be distributed through the Muslim community, particularly to the less fortunate. The holiday is also a reminder for people to be thankful and share the blessings and wealth they have received.

Purpose of Celebrating Hari Raya

Hari Raya are Celebrated by the Muslims. It signifies the end of the fasting...