Muslims observe a fast at this time, during which they refrain from consuming food or drinks from dawn to sunset. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and during this month, Muslims are encouraged to meditate and reflect in order to purify and strengthen their faith. At the end of Ramadan comes the first day of Syawal , the tenth month, which is the day of Eid-Al-Fitr.
Eid-Al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims all over the world, though practices may vary depending on the region. The mosque plays an integral role, with special prayers being held there on the day. Communal feasts at home with family, relatives, and friends are also a highlight. Such festive bazaars are becoming common in other locations as well, such as in Kampong Glam.
The Muslim community in Singapore are involved in this festival. Malays form a significant proportion of this community. The differences in backgrounds are not a barrier to Hari Raya Puasa celebrations as the festival is important to all Muslims. Non-Muslims may also participate in the festivities, such as visiting the Geylang Serai light up and its bazaar. In the past, villagers would work together to decorate the neighbourhood and have communal feasts.
Muslims in Singapore remember their faith with prayer and reflection during Hari Raya Haji, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. Its specific date differs from year to year, based on astronomical calculations. This is recounted in the story of God commanding Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail Ishmael , a commandment that Ibrahim responded to with obedience. God stopped him, and provided him with a sheep to substitute as a sacrifice, instead of his son.
During this period, the faithful dress in their finest clothes and congregate in mosques to listen to sermons and offer their prayers. But the most important ritual observed here is that of ' korban ' sacrifice. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and perform religious duties, such as reading the Quran.
Women who are menstruating can take a maximum of 10 days off. However, they must make up for each day taken off, at another time. When breaking fast communally, individuals can take turns to undertake the necessary preparations for the majlis berbuka puasa gathering for the breaking of fast. In Geylang and Jalan Bussorah behind Masjid Sultan , streets would be brightly lit with a wide variety of Malay culinary specialties on sale for the breaking of fast. Many Muslims also choose this time to pay an obligatory yearly amount of 2.
In Islamic law, the zakat prescribes 2. It is a time of forgiveness within the Muslim community and a time for strengthening of bonds among relatives and friends.
New clothes, decorated houses and exchange of invitations between friends and relatives commemorate Hari Raya Puasa.
They abstain from food and drinks, as well as from smoking and sexual relations. It is also important that they keep their minds pure and not harbor any ill thoughts or intentions during this holy month. The excitement builds up way before the first day, where families start to shop for new clothes, delicacies and goodies and furnish their home with new furniture and decoration weeks.
Brightly-colored lights, in the common hues of green, yellow and gold, can be seen adorning the mosques and the offices of government agencies.
When the new moon is seen on the evening of the last day of Ramadan, the fasting period comes to an end. Such sightings are made by religious officials at various hilltops throughout the country and when the crescent moon is seen, the following day marks the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. On the morning of Hari Raya, the men perform prayers at the mosque while children ask for forgiveness from their parents. While the first three days of Hari Raya are usually reserved for catching up with the family, many families hold open houses throughout the month where friends and neighbors of other races are invited to share conversation, laughter and a variety of cookies, candy and traditional delicacies.
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