The holy month of Ramadan has arrived, and in just less than one month, Muslims worldwide will be celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, or “Raya”, as it is known in Malaysia.
Are you planning an unforgettable and stress-free celebration on this year’s Hari Raya? If so, here is a Raya checklist you can consider! We have compiled a few things you should do to make your celebration awesome!
1. Complete the one-month fast
Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan every year to honour the day when Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Quran. This is considered a significant practice and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Before celebrating Hari Raya, Muslims in Malaysia will complete the month-long fast, which provides them with a sense of peace and accomplishment.
2. Book your flight home early
To fully enjoy the once-a-year celebration of Hari Raya free of stress, consider taking a flight instead of driving back home. This can save time and allow you to skip the traffic jam, making your journey more comfortable. With plenty of flight deals available, it’s worth checking out cheap flights on flight websites.
3. Shop for Baju Raya
Shopping and window shopping is enjoyable, especially during festive seasons, because there are many sales. Before buying anything, it is good to look around and compare prices. During festive seasons, there are great deals to be found, so it is crucial to keep an eye out and act fast before they are gone. It’s fun to share these deals with loved ones, such as buying discounted Raya clothes for yourself and your relatives.
4. Spring clean the house
Just like how we want to present ourselves as neat and organised individuals, our homes should reflect the same. No one likes to entertain guests in a messy and disorganised house. Cleaning and decorating your house is important before having guests over, especially when it comes to the Raya celebration. Consider doing spring cleaning, getting new decorations or furniture, and decluttering by giving away old things to charity.
5. Complete all tasks before the long holiday starts
Before your Raya holiday, finish all your work or talk to your boss about how to manage it. Make sure you know how many days off you can take, as this will prevent you from worrying about unfinished work during your holiday and allow you to celebrate Raya worry-free. You also need to plan and manage your work well so that everything continues to run smoothly while you are away.
6. Prepare the “Duit Raya”
Giving and receiving Duit Raya is undoubtedly enjoyable, especially for kids. However, you should only give what you can afford to lose. It is good to save money wherever you can, so you can give more to your loved ones. Remember to be mindful of your spending habits and not waste money unnecessarily.
7. Participate in the Hari Raya cooking sessions
Do you remember playing “pretend cooking” with your friends when you were young? This happy memory can inspire you to cook with your family too! Not only is it a tradition, but it’s also a great way to bond with loved ones. Many Malay families make cakes and biscuits together during Ramadan, and it is common for them to go back to their hometowns before Raya to help their families make “biskut raya” (Raya cookies).
My Weekend Plan wishes you all the best in planning a wonderful Hari Raya with all your family members and friends! Let’s spread positivity and happiness during the season of forgiveness. Wishing you a joyful Hari Raya
