An Introduction to Hari Raya Aidilfitri....
The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر) marks the end of Ramadhan, celebrated upon the sighting of the new moon. It is one of the two Eid festivals in the Islamic year (the other being Eid ul-Adha). The Prophet Muhammad celebrated the first Eid with his companions after a victory in the Battle of Badr.
This holiday follows the month of Ramadhan, falling on the first day of Syawal (the tenth month in the Islamic calendar). As with all months in the Islamic calendar, it begins with the sighting of the new moon. For this reason there may be regional differences in the exact date of Eid, with some Muslims fasting for 29 days and some for 30 days.
Eid ul-Fitr commemorates the end of the month of Ramadhan. Fasting is forbidden on this day as it marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadhan. A Muslim is encouraged to rise early and partake of some dates or a light, sweet snack, significant because for the past 30 days they have abstained from all food and drink from dawn till dusk. It may come as a surprise to many non-Muslims, but many people feel a sense of loss or sadness at the passing of Ramadhan.
Still, after the purification of Ramadhan, this is a time for extended families and communities to get together and it is one of the biggest feasts in the muslim calendar.
Traditions and Practices
Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes, new if possible, and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques. Before the prayer the congregation recites the Takbir:
Allahu akbarullahu, akbarullahu akbar la illaha illa Allah, Allahu akbarullahu, akbar w'al i'llah h'ilhamd
(God is Greatest, God is Greatest, God is Greatest, There is no god but [the One] God, God is Greatest, God is Greatest and to Him goes all praise)
The Takbir is recited after the Fajr (morning) prayer and until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins every Muslim (man, women or child) must pay Zakat al Fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is (typically) collected at the mosque. This is distributed by the mosque to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given anytime during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilise it for Eid purchases. This is distinct to Zakat based on their wealth which must be paid to a worthy charity. This is calculated at 2.5% of their wealth.
The Eid prayer is followed by the khutba (sermon) and then a prayer asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of you as well as your relatives, friends and acquaintances.
Eid ul-Fitr in Malaysia and Singapore
In neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, it is also commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
- Article taken from : http://www.wikipedia.org
This holiday follows the month of Ramadhan, falling on the first day of Syawal (the tenth month in the Islamic calendar). As with all months in the Islamic calendar, it begins with the sighting of the new moon. For this reason there may be regional differences in the exact date of Eid, with some Muslims fasting for 29 days and some for 30 days.
Eid ul-Fitr commemorates the end of the month of Ramadhan. Fasting is forbidden on this day as it marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadhan. A Muslim is encouraged to rise early and partake of some dates or a light, sweet snack, significant because for the past 30 days they have abstained from all food and drink from dawn till dusk. It may come as a surprise to many non-Muslims, but many people feel a sense of loss or sadness at the passing of Ramadhan.
Still, after the purification of Ramadhan, this is a time for extended families and communities to get together and it is one of the biggest feasts in the muslim calendar.
Traditions and Practices
Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes, new if possible, and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques. Before the prayer the congregation recites the Takbir:
Allahu akbarullahu, akbarullahu akbar la illaha illa Allah, Allahu akbarullahu, akbar w'al i'llah h'ilhamd
(God is Greatest, God is Greatest, God is Greatest, There is no god but [the One] God, God is Greatest, God is Greatest and to Him goes all praise)
The Takbir is recited after the Fajr (morning) prayer and until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins every Muslim (man, women or child) must pay Zakat al Fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is (typically) collected at the mosque. This is distributed by the mosque to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given anytime during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilise it for Eid purchases. This is distinct to Zakat based on their wealth which must be paid to a worthy charity. This is calculated at 2.5% of their wealth.
The Eid prayer is followed by the khutba (sermon) and then a prayer asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of you as well as your relatives, friends and acquaintances.
Eid ul-Fitr in Malaysia and Singapore
In neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, it is also commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
- Article taken from : http://www.wikipedia.org
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