Hari Raya Puasa

Ramadan is the name of the one-monthfasting period when muslims fast for almost twelve hours. They fast from dawn till sunset. Muslims are expected to avoid lying, breaking promises or cheating during the month of Ramadan. The primary purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to remind all muslims of self control and submitting to Allah, the holy one. Even young kids are taught to fast when they are young. Hari Raya preparations can be seen at least one month before the festival. The time when the muslims break the fast is usually around 7.15 pm.Celebration for Hari Raya Puasa starts at least one-month ahead. After fulfilling their one month of fasting,the muslims would be joyful to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. On the morning of the festival, the muslims would wear their new clothes and go to the mosque to pray. They offer their thanks to God and after that, they would ask for forgivenessfrom their elders. This is an important custom followed by the muslims. Some favourite dishes that can be found in muslim's houses on this special occasion ketupat, longtong, nasi pading and beef rendang. The money packets are usually green in colour and children often look forward to getting those money tokens on Hari Raya Puasa. Hari raya Haji is known as the Festival of Sacrifice. On this day, muslims worldwide sacrifice sheeps, cows or camels for the sake of religion and community. This sacrificial slaughtering is usually after the Hari Raya Haji congreagtional prayers.

Huzefa's experience:

I fast in Ramadan and the best part is when i break my fast. My relatives and i go to Geylangerai to buy new clothes abd food. The food over there is very yummy. They sell curry puffs, noodles, curry, breads, buns. otah-otah, cakes, kuehs,tarts, chocolates and many ther traditional malay food. I had a lot of fun last year and hope I will have fun again next coming Hari Raya.