Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore

Hari Raya Puasa also known as Ramadhan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts for twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. This month is a commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation and is an essential time for spiritual reflection and growth.

Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory (fard) for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, traveling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, or menstruating. The pre-dawn meal is called suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar. It is common practice to follow the timetable of the closest country in which night can be distinguished from day, although fatwas have been issued declaring that Muslims who live in regions with a midnight sun or polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca.

The spiritual rewards (thawab) of fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan. Accordingly, during the hours of fasting, Muslims refrain not only from food and drink but also from tobacco products, sexual relations, and sinful behavior, devoting themselves instead to salat (prayer) and the study of the Quran. The month of Ramadan is a time for increased charity, community service, and introspection, with Muslims often engaging in more frequent prayers, Quran recitation, and other forms of worship.

Hari Raya Puasa dates in different countries around the world

Country	Hari Raya Puasa Date in 2023
Singapore	May 13 or 14
Malaysia	May 13 or 14
Indonesia	May 13 or 14
Brunei	May 13 or 14
Thailand	May 14 or 15
Philippines	May 14 or 15
India	May 14 or 15
United States	May 13 or 14 (in some states)

Origins of Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore

In Singapore, the observance of Ramadan is an essential part of the country’s cultural and religious landscape. The Muslim community in Singapore celebrates Hari Raya Puasa, which marks the end of Ramadan, with joyous festivities that include feasting, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts.

Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday in Singapore, and it is celebrated with colorful decorations, traditional clothing, and traditional food such as ketupat, rendang, and lontong. The month of Ramadan and the celebration of Hari Raya Puasa are significant events in Singapore’s multicultural society, promoting interfaith understanding, respect, and harmony.

 

Traditions and Customs

One of the most important aspects of Hari Raya Puasa is the traditional clothing worn by Muslims during the celebration. Men typically wear baju Melayu, a type of traditional Malay shirt and pants, while women wear baju kurung, a loose-fitting, long-sleeved dress. It is also common for both men and women to wear traditional headwear, such as songkok or tudung.

Another important tradition during Hari Raya Puasa is the exchange of gifts, especially among family and close friends. This is a time for showing generosity and appreciation for those around us. It is also customary to visit relatives during the celebration, particularly older relatives, to seek their blessings and forgiveness.

Hari Raya Puasa is a significant celebration for Muslims in Singapore. The festival is observed with various traditions and customs, which reflect the diverse culture of the Malay community in the country. Some of the key customs and traditions associated with Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore are:

• Preparations for Hari Raya Puasa: In the weeks leading up to the festival, Malay households in Singapore are seen bustling with activity. Cleaning and decorating the house, shopping for new clothes, food, and gifts for family and friends are some of the common preparations for Hari Raya Puasa.
• Hari Raya Puasa eve: On the eve of Hari Raya Puasa, families gather for a meal called “sembahyang terawih” or “solat tarawih,” a special prayer that marks the end of Ramadan. After the prayer, families go to the cemetery to visit the graves of their loved ones and offer prayers.
• Baju Raya: Baju Raya, meaning “Hari Raya clothes,” is a tradition where Malays wear new clothes on the first day of Hari Raya Puasa. The tradition symbolizes the renewal of the self and the new beginning that the festival represents.
• Visiting relatives and friends: During Hari Raya Puasa, it is customary for Malays to visit their relatives and friends to seek forgiveness and renew ties. Malay households are often filled with the aroma of traditional Malay dishes such as rendang, ketupat, and lontong.
• Ketupat: Ketupat is a traditional Malay dish made of rice cooked in woven palm leaves. It is a staple dish during Hari Raya Puasa and is often served with rendang, a spicy meat dish.

Giving of “duit raya”: Duit Raya is a custom where elders give money to the younger members of the family as a token of appreciation and blessings during Hari Raya Puasa.

Open Houses: Many Malays in Singapore hold open houses during Hari Raya Puasa, where friends and relatives are invited to their homes to share festive dishes and spend time together.

These are some of the key customs and traditions associated with Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore. The festival is a time of joy, forgiveness, and renewal, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and spirit by the Malay community in the country.

 

What are the muslim’s activity in hari raya puasa?

During Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims engage in a variety of activities to celebrate the end of Ramadan and mark the beginning of the new month, Shawwal. Some of the common activities include:

1.    Prayer

Muslims begin the day with a special prayer called Salat al-Eid. This prayer is performed in congregation and is usually held in large open spaces, such as mosques or community centers.

2.    Visiting Family and Friends

Hari Raya Puasa is a time for Muslims to reconnect with their loved ones. It is customary to visit family and friends, particularly older relatives, to seek their blessings and forgiveness. Many people also host open houses, where they invite friends and acquaintances to their homes to celebrate together.

3.    Dressing in Traditional Clothing

Muslims often wear new or traditional clothing during Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore. Men typically wear baju Melayu, a type of traditional Malay shirt and pants, while women wear baju kurung, a loose-fitting, long-sleeved dress. It is also common for both men and women to wear traditional headwear, such as songkok or tudung.

4.    Feasting

Hari Raya Puasa is a time for feasting and enjoying traditional food. Many families prepare a wide range of dishes, such as rendang, ketupat, and lemang, to share with their guests. It is also customary to give out packets of money, known as duit raya, to children and young adults.

5.    Giving to Charity

It is customary for Muslims to give to charity during Ramadan and Hari Raya Puasa. This is known as zakat fitrah, and it involves giving a small amount of money or food to those in need.

Overall, Hari Raya Puasa is a joyous occasion that is celebrated with prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness and generosity.

Activity	Description
Tarawih prayers	These are additional evening prayers held during Ramadan. Many mosques in Singapore hold Tarawih prayers, and Muslims may also choose to pray at home or in smaller groups.
Iftar	The meal to break the fast at sunset, usually shared with family and friends. In Singapore, many mosques hold communal iftars for the community. Some restaurants and cafes also offer special Ramadan menus during this time.
Ramadan bazaars	These are pop-up markets selling food, drinks, clothing, and other items. They are especially popular during Ramadan in Singapore, and many Muslims visit the bazaars after breaking their fast.
Zakat and charity	Many Muslims choose to give zakat (a form of obligatory charitable giving) during Ramadan, as well as additional voluntary charity. In Singapore, there are many organizations and initiatives that collect and distribute zakat and other donations to those in need.
Quran recitation	Muslims may choose to read the entire Quran during Ramadan, or recite a certain number of verses each day. Some mosques in Singapore also hold Quranic recitation sessions during this time.
Community events	Many mosques and Muslim organizations in Singapore hold community events during Ramadan, such as lectures, religious classes, and cultural activities. These events provide opportunities for Muslims to come together, learn, and socialize.
Suhur	The predawn meal before the day of fasting begins. Muslims in Singapore may choose to eat a light meal before dawn to sustain them throughout the day.
Eid al-Fitr	The holiday marking the end of Ramadan. In Singapore, Eid al-Fitr is usually celebrated with family gatherings, special meals, and the exchange of gifts. Many Muslims also attend Eid prayers at the mosque.
Itikaf	A spiritual retreat that involves staying in the mosque for a period of time during the last ten days of Ramadan. Some mosques in Singapore offer facilities for Muslims to perform Itikaf.

Gift and hamper for hari raya puasa on FlowerAdvisor Singapore

While it is not a requirement for Muslims to exchange gifts or hampers during Hari Raya Puasa, it is a common practice in many Muslim cultures. Giving gifts is seen as a way to express gratitude, strengthen relationships, and spread joy and happiness. It is also a way to share the blessings of the season with others, particularly those who may be less fortunate.

Many Muslims give gifts to family members, friends, and colleagues, as well as to charity organizations or those in need. So while it is not a mandatory part of the celebration, exchanging gifts and hampers during Hari Raya Puasa is a meaningful way to honor the spirit of the season.

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In conclusion, Hari Raya Puasa is a joyous and meaningful celebration that is steeped in tradition and culture. It is a time for reflection, forgiveness, and renewal, as well as a chance to connect with family and friends. By understanding the origins and customs of Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore, as well as getting involved in the festivities, you can fully appreciate the cultural significance of this important occasion.