Participating in the Hari Raya event was a unique and meaningful experience that allowed me to immerse myself in a culture I had only partially understood despite living in Malaysia for several years. Before this event, I hadn’t fully explored the Muslim religion and its traditions. However, this time, I gained a deeper understanding of Muslim culture and the significance of Hari Raya.

1. Henna Activity: A New Experience!

I was assigned to manage the Henna activity at the Hari Raya event. Honestly, I had never done Henna before, so I was a little nervous at first. Fortunately, I discovered Henna stencils, which made the process a lot easier. I prepared Henna designs, printed them out, and even brought some diamond stickers to embellish the designs. If the Henna design didn’t turn out well or if it smudged, the children loved the idea of adding diamond stickers, and it made them really happy!

2. Wearing Traditional Malaysian ‘Baju Kurung’

On the day of the event, I had the chance to wear a Baju Kurung, a traditional Malaysian outfit, which my friend kindly lent me. The outfit was handmade, so I treated it with great care. Wearing this traditional attire while conducting the Henna activity allowed me to experience the beauty of Malaysian culture and traditions firsthand.

3. Face Painting Was a Bigger Hit Than Henna

I expected the Henna activity to be the highlight, but surprisingly, face painting was more popular among the children. They were fascinated by the painted designs on their faces! When the Henna or face paint designs got smeared or ruined, I simply used diamond stickers to fix the designs, and the kids loved it. It was amazing how a simple sticker could solve any problem!

4. Hari Raya: A Time of Reflection and Generosity

One of the most impactful things I learned during the event was the significance of Fasting (known as “Pasung” in Malay). It’s not just about abstaining from food but about self-discipline and gaining empathy for those who are less fortunate. After the fasting period, the celebration continues with an Open House, where people gather to share food and greet each other. This was a time of reflection, thankfulness, and community spirit.

5. Realizing the Universal Value of Sharing

An Afghan friend explained the traditions of Hari Raya to me, and I learned that in Afghanistan, people also slaughter livestock like sheep or goats and share the meat with neighbors in need. This made me realize that despite cultural and religious differences, the act of helping others and sharing with those in need is a universal value, just like the tradition of Lunar New Year in my own country.

What is Hari Raya?

Hari Raya (also known as Eid al-Fitr) is an important celebration observed by Muslims around the world. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, and is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and community celebration.

Key Features of Hari Raya:

• Celebrating After Fasting: During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating or drinking. Hari Raya marks the end of this fast and is a time for enjoying food and celebrating with loved ones.
• Sharing Food: During Hari Raya, it is a tradition to share food with family, friends, and even strangers. This is a way to show generosity and compassion, particularly towards those who are less fortunate.
• Wearing New Clothes: Another important tradition is wearing new clothes to symbolize a fresh start and to prepare oneself for the blessings of the new year with a clean heart and mind.
• Charity and Giving Back: Charity plays a vital role during Hari Raya, as Muslims are encouraged to help those in need. This tradition of giving extends beyond Ramadan into the Hari Raya festivities.
• Cultural Variations: While Hari Raya is celebrated worldwide, different countries have their unique customs. For example, in Malaysia, people celebrate with an Open House, inviting friends and neighbors to their homes to share food and celebrate together.

Learning and Embracing New Cultures

The Hari Raya event was more than just a festival; it was a meaningful experience that deepened my understanding of Muslim culture and Islamic traditions. The warmth, generosity, and community spirit of the event left a lasting impression on me. It made me realize that despite cultural differences, the values of compassion and sharing are universal.

Moving forward, I look forward to embracing and learning more about different cultures, and experiencing the diversity of our world in a more meaningful way. The Hari Raya experience has been a beautiful reminder of the importance of kindness and the shared human values that unite us all.