The ties that bind
Let's take a closer look at the traditions and beliefs of Hari Raya Puasa which falls on 30 August this year.
Singapore Kopitiam Team | 22 August 2011
The festival of Eid, more commonly known in Singapore as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa, falls on the first day of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
Meaning "grand day of rejoicing" in Malay, Hari Raya Puasa is the celebration that follows a month of fasting known as Ramadan, during which Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. The fast is broken each evening after sunset.
On the morning of Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims visit the mosque, and this is followed by house visits and celebratory meals. During Ramadan, every Muslim is obliged to give to the poor the zakat fitrah (religious tithe).
Token cash amounts - not unlike the red packets distributed at Chinese New Year - are sometimes given to children by adults during Hari Raya.
Related links
- Joyous Eid (Hidayah Amin explains the customs and etiquettes on Hari Raya Puasa or literally "Celebration Day of Fasting".)
* This article was first published in Singapore Magazine (Jul-Sep 2011 issue)
Singapore Kopitiam Team | 22 August 2011
Kopi-TV: Places & Heritage
-
You Can't Goh Rong: Getais and hungry ghosts
Find out the real reason behind empty front row seats at a getai during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
