Have you spotted the brilliant Hari Raya light up as you go pass Geylang Serai? Besides mouthwatering food and colourful baju kurungs sighted at the bazaars, we can definitely feel the festive vibes in the weeks leading up to Hari Raya Puasa.
At preschools and primary schools in Singapore, teachers may also introduced activities to immerse children in cultural exposure. At home, my elder boy would ask me questions about what they observe and share with me what they think.
Apart from raising bilingual kids, we hope to nurture socially conscious children who are empathetic towards others in our community and society too. Doing so equips them with more knowledge about the celebrations our friends from other races partake in too. Time to discover some fun facts about Hari Raya to share with our children!
Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji are different
Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa after a month of fasting during Ramadan. ‘Puasa’ means ‘fasting’, and Hari Raya Puasa celebration is just for 1 day. During Hari Raya Puasa, it is a time to break the fast. Muslims practice forgiveness during the month of fasting, as fasting cleanses the spiritual self. They are encouraged to pray the special prayers in the morning of Hari Raya Puasa. As part of the festivities, they will also decorate their houses, don new clothes, and invite friends over to share and celebrate.
Muslims around the world celebrate Hari Raya Haji to honor Ibrahim’s devotion to God. Hari Raya Haji lasts for 4 days and beyond, symbolizing the end of ‘hajj.’ It marks the highlight of the celebration for Muslims, as God commands the act of Hajj. While Muslims perform the act of Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, they celebrate Hari Raya Haji in various countries, including significant celebrations in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Specific dates for both celebrations differ from year to year because the date is based on the Islamic lunar calendar and observations of moon sightings.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Fasting is a time to encourage spiritual discipline and to build empathy for those who are less fortunate. During the Ramadan period, Muslims wake up before the break of dawn to eat and go without food or water until the sun sets, where they will break their fast.
During the fasting month, Muslims curb negative thoughts and emotions, including anger, gossiping, and swearing.
Do children fast during Ramadan too?
For young children, it is not mandatory for them to fast, until they reach maturity. This is typically between 10 to 14 years old for girls, and 12 to 16 years old for boys.
Why do Muslims pay Zakat during Ramadan?
People believe that good deeds, prayers, and charity bring multiple blessings when done during the Ramadan month. As a gesture to remember the underprivileged in the community, Muslims must fulfill their contribution of Zakat Fitrah during this period.
Is there an appropriate amount to give for Zakat? Authorities calculate a certain rate yearly. In Singapore, Muslims can also fulfil their Zakat contributions digitally.
What is the right way to greet and gesture when visiting my Muslim friends?
My sons have observed how the Muslim uncles and aunties greet each other at the coffeeshop or when we visit our neighbours. Instead of a single handshake, they extend the gesture by bringing their right hand back to place it over their heart. This symbolises an earnest greeting from your heart, literally. However, do refrain from shaking the hands of the opposite gender, as they are mindful of physical contact with another gender.
Do you know the significance of ketupats during Hari Raya?
When we order satay, my kids will request for ketupats. This fragrant rice wrapped in young coconut leaves are extra yummy, and my elder son might pair it with the peanut sauce if he’s feeling up for some spice.
When it comes to celebrating Hari Raya, ketupats symbolise the purity of hearts asking for forgiveness. Apart from serving as part of a feast with delicious food such as Ayam Masak Merah, Beef Rendang, and Lontong, people often use paper-woven diamond-shaped ketupats as decoration.
Have older kids who are interested to learn about the 5 pillars of Islam which relates to fasting (sawm), pilgrimage (hajj) and almsgiving (zakat)? These 5 key practices are considered the foundation of Muslim life which they need to commit to these throughout their lifetime.
I hope these bite-sized and simplified facts about Hari Raya offer some insights to your little ones too. We can learn so much more about our Muslim friends’ culture and traditions, but I have kept this simple to share with my young children. Besides filling their schedule with enrichment classes in Singapore, it is imperative to impart social awareness and life skills to our kids too. What are some questions your curious children have asked about Hari Raya?
