.png)
Hari Raya Aidilfitri—better known as Hari Raya in Malaysia—is one of the biggest and most joyful celebrations for Muslims. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, patience, and self-reflection. But beyond that, it’s a time for grand feasts, family reunions, and plenty of warm, heartfelt traditions. Curious to know more? Let’s dive in!
What is Hari Raya Aidilfitri?
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, and for the Malay community, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the most anticipated festival of the year. It’s the moment when a month of self-discipline and fasting during Ramadan comes to a celebratory end. On the morning of Hari Raya, families dress up in their best traditional attire, head to the mosque for special prayers, and then gather with loved ones to ask for forgiveness and strengthen their bonds.
Is Hari Raya a New Year Celebration?
Some people mistake Hari Raya for the Islamic New Year—but it’s not! The Islamic calendar’s New Year actually falls on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the lunar calendar. Hari Raya, however, happens on the first day of Syawal, the tenth month. But with its fresh new outfits, festive vibes, and spirit of renewal, it definitely feels like a new beginning!
Fasting—More Than Just Skipping Meals
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting from dawn to sunset. But there’s more to it than just avoiding food and drinks. Fasting also means staying away from negative thoughts, gossip, anger, and dishonesty. It’s about self-control, self-improvement, and developing empathy for those less fortunate.
Not everyone has to fast, though! Children, the elderly, the sick, and pregnant women are exempt. Those who miss fasting due to temporary reasons can make it up at a later time.
Unique Hari Raya Traditions You’ll Love
Hari Raya is packed with fun, meaningful traditions that make the celebration so special. Here are some of the must-know customs:
1. Balik Kampung – The Great Homecoming
Think of it as the ultimate road trip! Every year, millions of Malaysians hit the highways to balik kampung, or return to their hometowns, to celebrate with their families. This mass migration creates legendary traffic jams, but the joy of reuniting with loved ones makes it all worth it!
2. Special Prayers & Paying Respects
Hari Raya begins with morning prayers at the mosque. Many families also visit the graves of their loved ones to offer prayers and remembrance. It’s a time to reflect on the past and appreciate the present.
3. Dressing to Impress—Malay Style!
One of the best parts of Hari Raya? The stunning outfits! Women wear elegant baju kurung, kebaya, or jubah, while men dress in traditional baju Melayu and songkok. Families often coordinate colors, making for some amazing group photos!
4. Green Packets – The Duit Raya Tradition
Ever heard of duit raya? Similar to Chinese New Year’s red packets (angpau), Muslims give out green packets filled with money as a blessing to children and the elderly. A little extra cash for sweets and toys? Yes, please!
A Festival of Gratitude & Togetherness
Beyond the mouthwatering feasts and colorful outfits, Hari Raya is really about gratitude, forgiveness, and togetherness. It’s a time to reflect, reconnect, and spread kindness to those around us.
What Do People Do on Hari Raya?
Hari Raya isn't just about fun and feasting—it also follows special religious practices known as the Sunnah of Eid. Here’s what Muslims typically do on the big day:
Rise & Shine Early! The day starts bright and early—no sleeping in on this special morning!
Perform the Fajr Prayer (the dawn prayer) to kickstart the day with blessings.
Get Clean & Fresh—A special bath, brushing teeth, and wearing the best (often new!) clothes are all part of the tradition. Men may apply perfume, while women dress in their finest baju kurung, baju kebaya, or jubah. Men rock their baju Melayu with kain samping and songkok.
Eat a Sweet Breakfast—Before heading out for prayers, it’s customary to break the Ramadan fast with something sweet, like dates. Fasting is forbidden on Eid day!
Pay Zakat—A special charity donation, known as Zakat, is given to those in need before the Eid prayers.
Join the Big Eid Prayers! Muslims gather in mosques or open prayer grounds for Salaat-al-Eid, a special prayer to celebrate the occasion.
Take Different Routes to & From Prayer—A unique tradition where worshippers use different paths to and from the mosque to spread greetings and blessings along the way!
So, whether you’re celebrating Hari Raya or just love learning about cultural traditions, remember what this festive season is all about—renewal, joy, and unity. Selamat Hari Raya! 🎉
Share your #RAYA2025 stories and stand a chance to win prizes worth up to RM6,200!
Find out how to join here. Don’t miss out! T&Cs apply.
Badrulamin Luthfi is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.
