Hari Raya Puasa
Hari Raya Puasa literally means "feast of fasting," and refers to ʿId al-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, as it is known to the rest of the Muslim world. This phrase is only known in the Malay world, i.e., Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, South Thailand, and South Philippines. It represents a return to original purity, after the cleansing of one's sins. It is also known as ʿId al-Saghir (minor feast), as opposed to ʿId al-Kabir (major feast) or ʿId al-Adha (feast of the sacrifice).
Though subject to the sighting of the crescent moon or astronomical calculations (hisab), Hari Raya Puasa always falls on the first of Shawwal. Celebrations start with prayers and a two-part sermon (khutbah), and continue over three days during which Muslims visit family, friends, and neighbors in order to ask their forgiveness for having wronged them. The Hari Raya Puasa sermon closes an intense period of seeking God's forgiveness for past sins by fasting, reading from the Qurʾan, reciting prayers, and almsgiving (zakat al-fitr) throughout Ramadan. Indeed, after this particular sermon is delivered, the value of almsgiving decreases to that of an act of charity (sadaqah), entailing lesser rewards.
For this feast, it is recommended that Muslims wear their best attire and perfume. In the Malay world, the meals served on this occasion feature traditional Malay-Indonesian food, such as rice wrapped in leaves. Children usually receive presents and special attention.
Further Reading
Abujamin Roham. (1991) Puasa Perisai Hidup (Fasting Is the Life Shield). Jakarta, Indonesia: Media Dakwah.
Denny, Frederick M. (1994) An Introduction to Islam. 2d ed. New York: Macmillan.
Federspiel, Howard M. (1995) A Dictionary of Indonesian Islam. Athens, OH: Center for International Studies, Ohio University.
This is the complete article, containing 278 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
