Eid al-Fitr Tradition in Singapore and Malaysia

Eid al-Fitr Tradition in Singapore and Malaysia. The Eid celebration is an important day for all Muslims in the world. In the celebration, many countries has its own characteristics. Uniquely, Malaysia and Singapore have a number of similar traditions in celebrating the feast of Eid al-Fitr which is also known as Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Curious how? Here’s the tradition:

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Worship and Grave-visiting

Ramadan prayers in Singapore / Source: Xin Huanet News

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When the day of Idul Fitri comes, Singaporeans start the morning by worshiping to the nearest mosque, where they offer their prayers. Furthermore, Singaporeans also will not pass the most important moment in this celebration, which is to visit their parents to apologize for the mistakes ever made. After that, they celebrate the party with family and friends at home. This party is certainly not separated from the meal-eating together.

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Not much different from Singapore, Malaysian Muslims start the day of Eid by worshiping the mosque, until it is followed by visiting the graves of loved ones with the family. Usually they, will pray to the Lord to forgive the sins of the dead and those who are alive. After that, they clean and decorate the tomb as a form of appreciation and followed by reading the verses of the Quran.

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Forgive each other

When talking about the celebration of the day of forgiveness certainly would not be not satisfied if not yet forgive each other. Just like the rest of the world, this is also done by Singaporeans and Malaysians.

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Their apologies are mentioned with the phrase “Maaf zahir dan batin”, which means they apologize for any behavior or words they are not pleased with the intended person. This apology is done to each other’s family and relatives.

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Open House and Various Food of Eid al-Fitr

Ketupat, rendang, and lontong are typical dishes in Singapore during Eid al Fitr celebrations. There are also sweet snacks such as ondeh-ondeh and pastries available. The food menu is also not much different from Malaysia, namely ketupat, rendang, lemang, and kuih raya (cookies and biscuits). Food can be tried when the open house is done by many Muslims.

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Idul Fitri’s special menu in Malaysia and Singapore / Source: The Top of World

Well, both citizens of Singapore and Malaysia, they also held an open house after Ied prayers. In this way, family colleagues or multicultural friends – regardless of their social, religious and racial status-, are invited home to celebrate the big day together. The visitors of this open house usually expect to taste a variety of delicious dishes that are spicy and sweet. But, obviously, in this open house is an opportunity to get to know each other and enjoy quality time with each other.

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Costume

In Singapore, the costume worn by Singaporeans during Eid al Fitr is the traditional “baju kurung” (Malay traditional costumes for men and women) and kebaya (for women). Typically, the costume is made of silk or batik with an interesting stitch pattern along the collar of the shirt. For women, they usually wear a baju kurung with a matching jilbab (tudung) with vibrant colors and matching shades. This dress is considered convenient for Singaporeans as it is practical for Singapore’s warm climate.

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Same with Singapore, men’s and women’s clothing Malaysia is known by baju kurung and kebaya. Interestingly, non-Muslims living in Malaysia usually also wear traditional Muslim attire in honor of their Muslim friends or family. Every family will look harmonious by wearing clothing with the same color and pattern.

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In celebration of Eid al-Fitr, families in Singapore and Malaysia look harmonious in wearing traditional clothes / Source: The Finder

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Home-coming and Duit Raya

Not only in Indonesia, in Malaysia also has a ‘ritual’ which is always done in the feast, namely the activities of homecoming or called “Balik Kampung”. Usually, the Malaysians will be going home for visiting their parents and asking apologies at the time of the week before Eid al-Fitr. And, in Malaysia and Singapore there is also a tradition that is always anticipated by the children, that is Duit Raya-giving that will usually be given by adults. (SJV)