Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a major religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which is a period of fasting and spiritual reflection. This holiday is not just about feasting and celebrations, but it is also a time of forgiveness, charity, and spending quality time with family and friends. Every year, the date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri varies according to the lunar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the movement of the sun, the Islamic calendar follows the cycles of the moon. This means that the date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri changes every year. The Islamic calendar has 12 months, with each month consisting of either 29 or 30 days. The sighting of the new moon marks the beginning of a new month, and also the end of Ramadan. This is why the date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri changes every year, as it depends on the sighting of the new moon. The exact date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is typically announced by the local authorities or religious officials a few days before the holiday. In some Muslim-majority countries, the holiday is declared as a public holiday, allowing people to have more time to prepare and celebrate. The celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri usually lasts for two days, but it can also be extended to a week or more in some cultures. Visiting friends and family is a major part of the celebration, and it is considered a kind gesture to open one’s doors to guests. Elders are given special attention during this time, and it is customary to ask for forgiveness and blessings from them. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is also a time to renew friendships and reconcile with anyone who may have been wronged in the past. Charity and giving are highly encouraged during this holiday, and it is common to see Muslims giving food, clothes, and money to the less fortunate. This act of charity, known as ‘Zakat fitrah’ or ‘Fitra’, is obligatory for all Muslims and symbolizes the purification of one’s wealth. On the morning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Muslims usually gather at a mosque or an open field to perform a special prayer known as ‘Eid al-Fitr prayer’. This prayer is followed by a sermon and a special ‘dua’, or supplication, seeking blessings and guidance from Allah. After the prayers, people greet each other with the phrase ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ or ‘Eid Mubarak’, accompanied by handshakes and hugs. Children, in particular, are excited during this time as they receive ‘duit raya’, or money, as a gift from their elders. Homes and streets are beautifully decorated with lights, and tables are filled with traditional delicacies such as ‘ketupat’, ‘rendang’, and ‘lemang’. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a time of joy, happiness, and togetherness, and it is a celebration of the end of a month-long journey of self-reflection, spiritual growth, and devotion to Allah. The holiday is also another reminder for Muslims to be thankful for all the blessings in their lives and to continue doing good deeds even after the end of Ramadan. The traditions and rituals of Hari Raya Aidilfitri may vary from country to country, but the essence of this holiday remains the same – to spread love, peace, and unity among all Muslims. 
Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Celebrating the End of Ramadan
