Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a significant Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a time of joy, gratitude and reflection, celebrated with prayers and acts of kindness. In Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is one of the most important festivals and is observed with great cultural and religious fervor.

Table of Contents

1. When is Hari Raya Aidilfitri?
2. The History of Hari Raya Aidilfitri
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. The Islamic and Gregorian Calendars

When is Hari Raya Aidilfitri?

The exact date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) varies each year because it is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. It falls on the 1st day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, which follows the sighting of the moon.

The following is the list of Hari Raya Aidilfitri from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Hari Raya Aidilfitri

The history of Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) is rooted in the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the observance of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam.

Fasting during Ramadan was prescribed for Muslims in the second year of the Islamic calendar, shortly after Prophet Muhammad migrated to Medina in 622 CE.

The first Hari Raya Aidilfitri was celebrated in 624 CE, following the victory of the Muslims in the Battle of Badr, a significant event in Islamic history. Prophet Muhammad declared this day as a time for communal prayer, charity and celebration to express gratitude to Allah.

Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of giving Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity paid before the Eid prayers. This act ensures that even the less fortunate can partake in the celebrations.

Islam was introduced to the Malay Archipelago through Arab traders and missionaries in the 12th century. By the 15th century, Islam had become the dominant religion in the region, influencing cultural and religious practices, including the observance of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysia combines Islamic principles with local traditions, creating a unique and vibrant celebration.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri was recognized as a public holiday in Malaysia after its independence in 1957. The festival has since become a national celebration, reflecting Malaysia's Islamic heritage and multicultural harmony.

Over the years, in Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri has evolved into a celebration of unity, with Muslims and non-Muslims coming together to share in the joy of the festival.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr), Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with religious devotion, festive meals, acts of kindness, and family gatherings. It is a joyous occasion that combines spiritual significance with cultural traditions, particularly in Malaysia.

Muslims gather at mosques or open prayer grounds early in the morning to perform the Eid prayer. The prayer is followed by a sermon (khutbah) emphasizing gratitude, forgiveness, and unity.

Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr, a special form of charity given before the Eid prayer. The purpose is to help the poor and ensure that everyone can celebrate Hari Raya. Many people also make additional donations or offer support to less fortunate families.

Muslims ask for forgiveness from family, friends and neighbors, and this act of reconciliation strengthens relationships and fosters harmony.

Many Malaysians return to their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya with their extended families. Families visit relatives to reconnect, share festive meals, and exchange greetings.

Hari Raya is famous for its delicious traditional dishes. Malaysians host open houses, welcoming friends, neighbors and even strangers to enjoy food and celebrate together.

Homes are cleaned and decorated with lights, Islamic calligraphy and ketupat ornaments. Malaysians wear their finest traditional clothing, often in matching colors as a family.

Charity and kindness continue to be emphasized, with many people providing food or assistance to those in need. Families visit those who cannot leave their homes, ensuring they feel included in the celebrations.

The Islamic and Gregorian Calendars

The Islamic lunar calendar is primarily used to determine dates for Islamic rituals and events, for example:

– Ramadan: The month of fasting.

– Eid al-Fitr: Celebration marking the end of Ramadan.

– Eid al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice during Hajj.

– Hajj: The annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Other sacred occasions, including Ashura (10th of Muharram) and Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday).

The Islamic lunar calendar is different from the Gregorian Calendar:

Basis: The Islamic calendar is based on Lunar (moon phases), while the Gregorian calendar is based on the Solar (earth's orbit around the sun).

Length of Year: The Islamic calendar is approximately 354 days per year, while the Gregorian calendar is about 365 days.

Start of the Calendar: The Islamic calendar started in 622 CE (Hijrah), and the Gregorian calendar started in 1 CE.

Months: The Islamic calendar has 12 lunar months, and the Gregorian calendar has 12 solar months.

Adjustment: There is no intercalation in the the Islamic calendar, and it addes a day in leap years in the Gregorian calendar.