By Iylia Nurliyana Bte Shafie

Hari Raya (also commonly as Eidulfitri) is greeted with mixed emotions from the Muslim world. Muslims are delighted to have achieved victory after a month of struggle but are also sad about bidding farewell to the holy month.

Here are five fun facts about Hari Raya for our non-Muslim friends:

1. Abstinence from food?

Non-Muslims assume that Hari Raya marks the end of Muslims’ abstinence from food. Actually, Ramadan is a month of physical and spiritual fasting.

Abstinence from food is symbolic. It shows that if a Muslim can stay away from basic human necessities, one can do the same for other desires.

2. One month unlike the rest

Did you know that Singaporean Muslims celebrate Eidulfitri for an entire month? In other parts of the world, Eidulfitri goes on only for a few days.

The reason? Well, Malay-Muslims are known for having big families so it is no surprise that there are many relatives to visit!

3. Islamic taxations

Nearing the end of Ramadan, Muslims pay Islamic taxations (Zakat Fitrah). The rate is decided here by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), using the average price of 2.3kg of the grade of rice generally consumed by the Muslim community. These taxations are given to the poor and needy.

4. Takbir

On the last day, Muslims recite the takbir, a term for the phrase ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is Great). The takbir is recited as a way of glorifying God and thanking Him for the bounties He has given. It is usually recited in the congregation after the breaking of fast and in the early morning of Hari Raya.

5. Ask for forgiveness

The young seek forgiveness from the old on the first day of Hari Raya. This involves them getting on their knees, placing their forehead on the hand of the elders and apologising for their wrongdoings.

You may at times, catch them saying, ‘maaf zahir dan batin’ which literally means ‘forgive me outwardly and inwardly’. It is done with the intention that both parties can forgive each other for their mistakes.

 (Source of Featured Photo: Singapore Tourism Board)