By MYWorld team
ANIS
What’s that on the radio? It’s the melodies of your classic Raya songs~
It’s finally Aidilfitri meaning the end of the month-long fasting in Ramadan. It’s a time for Muslims to express our gratefulness for the strength we received from God that allowed us to last the fasting during the month. We aren’t even permitted to fast on the first day of Raya (Syawal); eating becomes a sign of gratitude in itself.
Here in Malaysia, Raya time means visiting your loved ones – your family, friends, or neighbours. It’s a time to ask for forgiveness and begin a new chapter especially for those who sought for change in their Ramadan.
You might have heard people pair the season’s greetings with “Maaf Zahir & Batin” which refers to apologising for anything you did throughout the year regardless if it was known (verbal arguments) or unknown (your inner judgemental thoughts).
Raya means to show your sincerity to others. It’s usually seen in an act of charity whether it’s in the form of adults giving “Duit Raya” (Money Envelopes / Ang Pao) to children; families offering meals to their neighbours, friends, and even strangers; or simply praying for the betterment of others.
“Give what you can, be humble about it. Accept what you are given, be grateful for it.”
Though with all these border restrictions and SOPs, we can’t have the classic open houses where young people are known to go around the neighborhood to feast on Raya-themed dishes, nor can most of us head back to our hometown to see distant loved ones (#BalikKampung).
BUT as long as the heart and spirit are there, you can celebrate Raya across the globe.
So, grab a plate full of rendang, and ketupat or lemang, whether it’s instant, store bought, or homemade; call up your loved ones and give your joyful greetings.
I wish everyone – Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir & Batin.
Jasmyne
This year is another year Hari Raya is being celebrated differently. No gatherings and no ‘balik kampung’. But you can celebrate Raya by video calling our friends and family from our hometowns! I hope everyone can have an amazing Raya with a lot of good food. Wishing everyone Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and stay safe!
Divya
You’ve bought the outfit, you’ve made the cookies, you’ve decorated your home, and you’ve made the plans—but COVID-19 stops you from going back to your beloved kampung once again. Nevertheless, the spirit of raya doesn’t die, it doesn’t have to. Call your loved ones, get on a video call, tweet and post pictures of your outfits and your family at home! Time to reflect, forgive, forget, and remember to stay safe while staying at home, because Kita Jaga Kita. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and may we gather together for a well-deserved celebration soon!
Joyce
It surely is a whole different Raya that will be celebrated by the Malaysians as there are no gatherings which means no Instagrammable photos with friends and families. It cannot be avoided as the COVID-19 pandemic is getting worse, and our frontliners are getting tired, at the same time, not being able to return home for the celebration. Many of us are, of course, devastated, but let’s cheer up a little, alright?
Think of the cookies, or Raya biscuits that you still get to enjoy during the Raya celebration. Ohh, how yummy! As for the Instagrammable photos, who says you can’t still look good for the #ootd or #potd? You can still style, and as for the background, try to improvise, use your creativity with your families using the items you have at home, such as a scarf. For the lighting, I’m sure some of us have the light stand, so why not put it to good use? But for those who don’t, well you still have your phones! Use them as torchlights!
Take this opportunity to spend more time with family, bond with them, create more memories with them! Wishing you and your family a blessed Raya filled with a bundle of joy, happiness, and health. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, take care and stay safe!
