Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Eid ul-Fitr, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals, celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It is a time of joy, forgiveness, and celebration, where the festival brings families and friends together to enjoy a variety of foods, exchange gifts and duit raya, and pray.
Celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri — A time for bonding
Sarawakians were often observed returning to their hometowns beginning a week before the Syawal month.
For those celebrating, the day before Aidilfitri is frequently the busiest. The entire day would be devoted to cooking a variety of customary delicacies and preparing the home for the festivities.
Ketupat, rendang, kuah kacang, and lemang are examples of typical traditional foods. Additionally, it’s common to see containers and jars loaded with a variety of cookies and kek lapis (layered cakes) in various flavours and colours offered to visitors at every home.
The festive atmosphere felt throughout Ramadan reaches its peak on the first day of Eid ul-Fitr. Celebrants would dress elegantly in traditional attire known as baju kurung for women and baju melayu for men.
They would start the day by seeking forgiveness from family members before departing for the mosque to perform Aidilfitri prayers. They would visit loved ones’ graves after prayers before visiting friends and relatives.
Sarawakians would use this whole month of Syawal as an opportunity to strengthen personal ties and visit all their friends and relatives, some of whom they haven’t seen in a while. Small paper packets packed with money, also known as duit raya, would be exchanged as a form of sadaqah (giving).
During this month, the house is open to all guests, regardless of social status, religion, or race, who are just enjoying good food, good company, and a good time.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has recently had an impact on Aidilfitri celebrations, with travel and gathering restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. I believe it’s still crucial that we carry on with the festivities while taking safety precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.
Here are some responses from members of the public regarding how they plan to celebrate Aidilfitri this year.
IDA YASMINE AHMAD
Physiotherapist
Aidilfitri is, of course, more meaningful with family. The celebration, however, is modest for those who celebrate it alone abroad, like myself; short messages and phone and video calls from family serve as substitutes (as they are far away).
This is the third year that I celebrate Aidilfitri in Kobe, Japan. During the first year, I marked the occasion with just a simple breakfast because it happened that 1 Syawal coincided with my working day.
Alhamdulillah, in the second year, my leave requests were granted, allowing me to participate in Aidilfitri prayers and celebrate the festival with Indonesian friends (whom I met at the mosque) at a restaurant close to the mosque. I also had the opportunity to hold a mini open house for my colleagues.
For this year, I hope to have one more chance to perform the Aidilfitri prayers after my leaves are approved.
On this special day, I would like to wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
MOHD YUSUF SHUKRI
TVS presenter
Aidilfitri this year is quite sad because, for the first time, my family and I will celebrate it without the presence of my grandparents, who have returned to God’s grace.
However, we should cherish this moment with those who are still here in the world. The passing of my grandparents has, in my opinion, strengthened the bonds between me and my family members.
To those who still have their grandmothers or grandfathers, spend time with them, even a little.
Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir dan Batin to everyone who knows me.
SITI AZURINA YAHIDI
Entrepreneur
This year’s Aidilfitri celebration is going to be extra special because my family and I will return to Kuching unannounced, as I want to surprise my parents.
I already informed them that I was unable to return since a single ticket from Penang to Kuching was too expensive.
For the Hari Raya celebration, I plan to cook my parents’ favourite dishes, namely Asam Pedas Ikan Pari and Udang Masak Sambal, apart from other side menus such as Nasi Arab.
Cahaya Ramadhan hampir pergi,
Menyambut tibanya Aidilfitri,
Ampun maaf segala peri,
Semoga kasih sayang kekal dihati.
Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
LUQMAN HAKIM
TVS personality
This year’s Aidilfitri is more meaningful with the presence of my baby girl.
It is also a little unusual because I will be celebrating it for the first time in Bintulu with my wife’s family.
Since I have never been away from my own family, the sadness is unavoidable, but I am grateful for the chance to share this important day with my in-laws and my wife’s family.
Please pray that our trip to Bintulu will go smoothly.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Muslims in Sarawak a Selamat Hari Raya.
To those who are unable to go back to their hometowns to celebrate Aidilfitri with their families, please be calm and don’t be sad, and to those who are travelling back home by car, be careful on the road.
NUR ERYNA ANGELA JAMES
Finance executive assistant
This year is my ninth year celebrating Aidilfitri as a revert.
The Aidilfitri celebration every year is, of course, with the husband’s family, who comes from the East Coast. So far, there has never been an issue about which house or hometown we will go to celebrate the first day of Aidilfitri, and therefore, I am very grateful to be in this situation.
My family, who lives in Sarawak, also never misses sending me and my little family Selamat Hari Raya greetings.
Every year, on the morning of the festival, I will send pictures of my family and I dressed in traditional attire (baju melayu and baju kurung) to my parents and siblings as a cure for their longing.
On this occasion, I would like to wish everyone I know Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
May we always be blessed and abundant with sustenance, and may our sins be forgiven as long as we repent. Amen.
AZLANDY MOHAMMID ALI TUAH (left)
UNIMAS photographer
Considering the uncertain economic situation and the increase in the price of goods, I only celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri in moderation this year.
I also do not hold any open houses and only buy the necessary furniture to replace the shabby ones. For me, with these economic uncertainties, saving money and practising financial restraint are crucial.
On this occasion, I would like to wish Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir dan Batin to all Muslims throughout Sarawak.
To those who have to drive a long way to return to their hometowns, be careful on the road and make sure you get enough rest before setting out on your journey.
