Legend and Significance of Eid-Al-Fitr

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the most important festival in the Islamic calendar and one of the largest festivals in Malaysia. It is the day of boons and blessings for all fasting Muslims, as they are promised a great reward by Almighty Allah for their righteous observance of the fast marking the last day of a month long fasting.

There is no particular day for observing Raya, unlike other festivals. Every year the date changes according to the sighting of the moon in the Arabic calendar. The 1st day of the 10th month (shawal) is celebrated as Eid-Al-Fitr or Aidilfitri every year.

Sighting of the moon

Legend of Hari Raya:

The legend behind Hari Raya Aidilfitri dates back to 622AD. Our Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) migrated from Mecca to Medina, in order to escape persecution and also to join the other Muslims who had migrated to Medina. During that migrating journey, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) fasted for three days. Later, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) asked to all followers of the Islam, to fast for a certain number of days after he received a revelation from Allah years later.

Hijra (migration from Mecca to Madina)

Another legend states that, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) won two important battles during the month of Ramadan. One is the battle of Badr and the other conquest of Mecca. And it is believed that, Ramadan commemorates the war and Hari Raya is the celebration of the win.

Battle of Badr as stated in history

Other than that, we believe that, the holy Quran was completely revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in the last ten days of Ramadan. Thus Mohammed (PBUH) asked his followers to spend this month in fasting, prayers and noble causes, as a mark of respect to his teacher and end the month in celebrations. That is how Eid-Al-fitr came into being and is celebrated worldwide by the Muslim community.

The Holy Quran

Significance of Hari Raya:

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is the period when man is subjected to a supreme test. Without any question, the Muslims throughout the world obey Allah and every day from dawn to dusk abstains not only from sensual pleasures but even from the necessities of life like food and drink.

At the end of the month there is a great sense of achievement of coming closer to the Almighty. It is the joy of spiritual fulfillment, a time for celebration. Its existence provides the Muslim for an occasion to offer thanks to Allah for having given him the strength and the will to observe fast during the holy month.

MOON SPOTTING

The beginning of the Ramadan, ninth month of Islamic calendar is also decided by the sighting of the Crescent moon (hilal) This Sighting of the hilal marks the beginning of the Ramadan. If hilal is seen at night then the next day is the first day of Ramadan and fasting.

Crescent Moon

Factors affecting the sighting of the crescent moon:

• Distance of the moon from the Earth.

• Local or geographical conditions (the height of the observer above sea level).

• Character of the surrounding surface and the height of the horizon relative to the observer.

• Variations in the clarity of the atmosphere and wind direction.

• Quality of eyesight of the observe

Practicing Self Control and Empathizing with the needy:

Ramadan includes fasting which is the third pillar of all the five pillars of Islam. This means that the fasting during Ramadan is one of the five most basic beliefs or acts that a Muslim is supposed to do. Fasting in Islam is considered to be a means of practicing self-control. It is also considered to be a way of experiencing what hunger is all about, sympathizing with the poor and the needy, and thanking god for everything you have received in life. The greatest significance of this day of rejoicing lies in the fact that on this day every Muslim is enjoined to give the needy food at the rate of the prescribed weight per every member of his household. They pay Zakt-al-Fitr in the form of donation to impoverished Muslim.

Celebrating Brotherhood:

It is also an occasion for prayers when the Muslims gather in large congregations, standing shoulder to shoulder, to demonstrate the equality and equity which is the inherent feature of Islamic society all over the world.

Morning prayer

Raya ,the day of Rememberance:

The importance of Hari Raya lies in worshipping, celebrating and feasting in the name of Allah. Hari Raya gives a perfect reason to express one’s gratitude to Allah for bestowing prosperous blessing

Raya,the day of Forgiveness:

They pray for being forgiven for their wrong doings and for a happy life. Muslims pray to the lord for his kindness and grace. Those who follow the path of honesty, righteousness

equality, love, worship and harmony are blessed with abundance.

MORNING GREET(BERSALAM)

Raya,the day of Thanks giving day:

Hari Raya certainly opens door for an extravaganza but it also includes charity and acts of kindness. The essence of Hari Raya lies in giving charity to the needy. This way they make an effort to better the life of the poor.

Kids Happy After Recieving DUIT RAYA

Raya,the day of Victory:

The festivity is marked as a day of victory.It signifies a successful ending of Ramadan. It is essential for a human to show firmness against the evils.

Open House During Raya

On the auspicious day of Eid Al-Fitr, every Muslim becomes ready to face the year that lies ahead with renewed strength, greater understanding and universal goodwill. We fast to acquire piety, discipline and self-control. It enables us to refrain from intoxicating drinks and to understand and appreciate the pain of hunger, the pangs of thirst. It teaches us kindness for the less fortunate among us and fosters brotherhood. Forgetting ones race, status, muslims embrace each other with affection and celebrate together.