By Chow Jin Yi /pictures provided by interviewees
GEORGE TOWN: One of the most exciting and delightful festivals celebrated by Muslim communities annually around the world is Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. It is a festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month for fasting. As this is one of the biggest festivals celebrated by Muslims in Malaysia, do you know how Muslims celebrate this joyful festival? Aren’t you also curious how Muslims in China celebrate it?
We are honoured and happy to have interviewed Mr Mohd Eswandy Bin Asre, a lecturer from School of Applied Creative Arts and Design and Dr. Yang Jie, a lecturer from School of Chinese Studies who is also a Muslim descent from China. Let HCUC News solve the mystery and shed more light on this glorious festival as well as the Muslim culture.
Celebrating Hari Raya with family is the most important thing
Mr Mohd Eswandy, who is a Johor-born Muslim says that men in the families will get up early in the morning on the first day of Hari Raya to take their shower and put on their new ‘baju Melayu’ – a compulsory attire for every Muslim man before heading to the mosque for the special Aidil Fitri prayer. On the other hand, women will excitedly prepare traditional food and assortments for their friends and relatives.
He added that soon after they get back from the mosque, all family members will gather to exchange apologies with each other. They will shake hands and apologise to their parents and ask for their forgiveness as much as blessings, then, ‘duit raya’ will be distributed to the kids. After the session, they will have their meal together before going out to visit their deceased family members’ tombs to offer prayers and clean the area. Once done, it will be the time to visit their relatives to wrap up the first day of Hari Raya.
He said, “there is a variety of Raya cookies and dishes during the festival. The food might be different depending from one place to another. Traditional delicacies that are famous in Johor include ketupat, lemang, burasak, kuah odeh, rendang and lontong.”
According to Eswandy, Johor is a state with many descents and tribes like the Javanese, Banjar, Bugis, Boyan and Orang Asli. Hence, each descendant and tribe has its own customary food variety for Hari Raya.
He recalled, his favourite part of Hari Raya no doubt was collecting ‘duit Raya’ because this is the time of the year where he could save some money to buy his favourite comic books or anime CD. As years passed, he claimed that having a chance to celebrate Hari Raya with his family is the most important thing during the festival.
He said, there is a tradition called ‘mengunjung’ where they exchange food with their relatives and neighbours. His family cooks Ketupat and Rendang and exchange them with others. Besides, his neighbourhood in Johor will hold an event called ‘Marhaban’ in which they will visit every house in the neighbourhood and gather in a big group to recite prayers and praise Prophet Mohammad. He misses this tradition as it could tighten the bond between family and friends.
He said, he will probably stay at home this year with his wife and watch TV programmes together as part of the government order. However, he will do some simple preparation of buying various types of Raya cookies, new clothes and decorate his house with new furniture to brighten up the mood. Besides, he and his wife also plan to do charity work like donating some essential items to help the poor people.
Compulsory breakfast during the first day of Hari Raya
Dr Yang Jie said there are obvious differences between the celebration of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri in Malaysia and China. Although the Muslim community can be found everywhere, the traditions, food, clothes and the architecture of the mosques can be totally different.
He said Muslims in China must have their breakfast during the first day of the festival. They are not allowed to practice fasting for the first three days of the festival as Hari Raya is the time for them to celebrate after one month of fasting.
Besides, they dress up well and head to the mosque to pray for about an hour before they return and resume their celebration with family and friends.
He mentioned China is a big country with many provinces, hence, the traditional food that Muslims feast during the festival are different across provinces. One of the most popular cuisines that Muslims enjoy in his hometown, Ning Xia is “Shou Zhua Rou”, which basically means “Grabbing Meat” in English. They usually cut a lamb into four parts and place them onto a big plate, so that everyone can enjoy it together.
He said they also practise simple Arabic culture like preparing “Laobing” on the first day of the festival. “Laobing” is similar to Roti Canai, and is also a must-eat dish during Hari Raya Puasa. This is a dish that Muslims in China eat to commemorate the origin of Islam.
He also mentioned that he plans to celebrate the festival alone this year as he is unable to meet up with his Muslim friends or go back to his hometown. However, he will make sure to be connected with his family and celebrate with them through the video call.
A different Hari Raya
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, open house visits are not allowed to prevent the pandemic which continues to threaten the world. Thus, the Hari Raya celebration this year will be very different to all Muslims.
Festivals are about bringing people together, reminding people to be thankful and strengthen our sense of community. Although the celebration is constrained at various levels, we still can share the happiness and create memorable moments with others in a different way. Lastly, we would like to wish all Muslims Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri in advance!
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