Eid ul-Fitr or Id-ul-Fitr, often said to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity”, while Fitr means “to break the fast”; and so the holiday symbolises the breaking of the fasting period. It is celebrated starting on the first day of the Islamic month of Syawal. Muslims are to complete their fast on the last day of Ramadan and then recite the Takbir all throughout the period of Eid.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the Malay term for Eid ul-Fitr. Hari Raya is also known as Lebaran. Muslims in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore celebrate Eid like other Muslims throughout the world. The term “Hari Raya” literally means “Day of Celebration”. The main greeting used by Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore is “Selamat Hari Raya” which means “Happy Eid”. Another greeting is “maaf zahir dan batin” which translates loosely to “I seek forgiveness (from you) physically and spiritually”, for Hari Raya is a time to ask for forgiveness, reconcile and renew relationships with others.
Usually on the eve of the celebrations, family members, especially mothers and housewives, will be busy preparing food, cakes, sweets, biscuits and various delicacies to be served on the day of Hari Raya. Delicacies such asketupat, lemang and rendang are among the most famous cuisines that are served during this day. Other family members will help in other chores such as decorating and cleaning up the house.
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