Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore

Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a significant religious festival celebrated by Muslims in Singapore marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The day usually falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, with the exact date varying each year based on lunar sightings.

History and Traditions:

The festival has its roots in Islamic traditions, where it commemorates the conclusion of 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during Ramadan. It's a time for Muslims to express gratitude to Allah for the strength given to them throughout the fasting period.

Traditions during Hari Raya Puasa include:

• Takbir: Chanting praises to Allah.
• Solat Sunnah Eid: Performing two units of prayer in the morning.
• Zakat Fitrah: Giving alms to ensure that those less fortunate can also celebrate.
• Seeking Forgiveness: Visiting parents and elders to ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings in the past year.
• Wearing New Clothes: Donning new attire, often in bright colors, symbolizing renewal and purity.

Celebrations:

On Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims in Singapore engage in various activities that reflect a combination of religious significance and cultural festivity:

1. Morning Prayers: The day starts with prayers at mosques or designated prayer areas.
2. Home Visitation: Families visit one another's homes; this activity is known as "open house," where friends from different races and religions are welcomed.
3. Feasting: Traditional Malay delicacies are prepared and served, including ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves), rendang (spicy meat dish), satay (skewered grilled meat), and various kueh (bite-sized desserts).
4. Decoration: Homes are cleaned and decorated with lights, oil lamps, and other festive adornments.

Hari Raya Puasa stands out as a vibrant cultural event that showcases Singapore's multicultural society through shared festivities among different ethnic communities. It is not only an occasion for spiritual reflection but also one that reinforces social bonds through communal harmony and understanding.