Hanna Lockman
First of all Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha from Malaysia
Like every other Islamic country, Eid-adha is celebrated extravagantly compared to Eid-Fitr, Because the meaning of Eid-Adha has is more important.
Eid-Adha is celebrated in the honor of Ibrahim (Abraham) who would have sacrificed his son when Allah swt commanded him to do so. Since then this symbolic celebration was required to be done by all Muslims and also to commemorate with the pilgrim season in the holy city of Mecca.
Before Eid-adha
In Malaysia just like in other country we will have “Qurban”, the sacrifice of a livestock animal during Eid-ul-Adha, done on the 1st day of Eid. But what makes Qurban unique in Malaysia is the “sharing moment” we have days before the 1st day of Eid-adha.
Kuala Lumpur will be packed with motorist going back to their hometown. The public transport such as busses and planes are sold out. Everyone is eager to go back and gather with their loved ones and enjoy the moment just being with each other.
Not to forget all the food that has to be prepared. The meals that are prepared are not only for the family and visitors who will come to your house on Eid but also for the Masjid nearby. While the adults are preparing food and the house to welcome people,t he kids will be playing with fire crackers outside and just enjoy being a kid together with their siblings and cousins. Besides food, everyone will be donning beautiful traditional costumes on Eid-adha. Like “Baju Kurung” for the ladies and “Baju Melayu” for the men.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKC_AI4g741/?tagged=bajumelayu
Eid-Adha
In the morning of Eid-Adha, it is a custom for us to “salam”, shake and kiss the hands of the elders before we go to the Masjid for prayers and “Qurban”. Usually the ladies will stay at home to prepare the house for visitors and the men will go to the masjid to assist with Qurban. After that the ladies will join the activity in masjids mainly to cook for the needy. The food will be given away to those entitled to receive it, especially people in need. Some will come and wait at the masjid help. However, there are some brothers who will walk around the area to send the meat and cooked food to the needy that have not receive it.
Eid-adha is important to Malaysians. It strengthens the relationship with the family and also the neighbors. It reminds us that we need to look after each other and that there are a lot of people who are so unfortunate to have the life they have now. The cycle may turn and one day it could be us at where they are now. Besides this, it’s the day to fulfill our lord’s command and it is a day of reflection for most of us here.
Selamat Hari Raya AidilAdha from Malaysia!
