Was driving around today and the roads in KL were clear!!!! Woohooo!!!!!! Anyhoo, just wanted to wish all our Muslim online family members a good one this year, Selamat Hari Raya 2012, maaf zahir dan batin. *big-smile*

For our non-Asian friends here, I took the liberty to acquire some info from Wikipedia to help you understand a lil’ more about what Hari Raya entails. *grin* Eid-ul-Fitr, “Eid-ul-fitr”, Eid al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, or Id al-Fitr, often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). The religious Eid is a single day (a Muslim is not permitted to fast that day), but it is usually celebrated for 3 days. Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity”, while Fiṭr means “breaking the fast”. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month Shawwal. This is a day where Muslims around the world try to show a common goal of unity.

In Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, Eid is more commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Idul Fitri or Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya means ‘Celebration Day’. Idul Fitri is the biggest holiday in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei; and one of the biggest in Singapore. Shopping malls and bazaars are usually filled with people to get things for Lebaran such as ; new clothes, shoes, sandals even food to serve days ahead of Idul Fitri, which creates a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country, along with traffic mayhem. Many banks, government and private offices are closed for the duration of the Lebaran festivities.

One of the largest temporary human migrations globally, is the prevailing custom of the Lebaran where workers, particularly unskilled migrants labourers such as maids and construction labourers return to one’s home town or city to celebrate with their families and also to ask forgiveness from ones’ parents, in-laws and elders. This is known as mudik, pulang kampung or in Malaysian balik kampung (homecoming). In Malaysia, people will take turns to set aside a time for open house when they stay at home to receive and entertain neighbours, family and other visitors. It is common to see non Muslims made welcome during Eid at these open houses, which clearly illustrates the 1Malaysia spirit of unity in our country. And THAT, is exactly what Jamie and I did today…probably something we’d be doing the whole of this week at the very least. *laugh*  Festivities, friends and food!!! Truly Malaysian! *laugh* Have a great week guys! Hugs! xxx