The time of the year is here again where Muslims all around the world have waited for the full moon to emerge from the clouds, visible enough to announce that the day after is officially the 1st day of the month of Syawal in the Islamic calendar. The day is also called Eid Mubarak or commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri to Singaporeans.
What I have realised today, just in a matter of hours, is how much communication is part of our lives that we actually took it for granted. So, what does Eid Mubarak actually means? More so, what does it stand for?
Some teenagers, and adults even, might be excited to parade their gorgeous new sequined Kebayas imported from the far East. That, packaged with pointed 3 inch high heels and mainly Gucci for the youth and Louis Vuitton handbags for the elders. Some, are impatient to see how others match up to their “standards” on this very stunning and lavish day. I am pretty sure you will be blinded by their bling-blings too just like how I was, hours ago. Gold bangles and necklaces that are probably “Pakai Dulu Bayar Kemudian” in which it directly translates to “Wear First Pay Later”. It is a growing trend in this jewelry business. On the other hand, children are mostly anxious to drink all the F&Ns they want and indulging in all the sweet goodies each house they visit has to offer. Oh, and not to forget, the euphoria of receiving green packets too.
However, in all its glamour that the media has portrayed Eid to be, I feel that the celebration after the month of goodness- known as Ramadhan- has lost its true meaning. If you were to stop a stranger by the road and ask them, “What is Hari Raya Aidilfitri?” I am pretty sure most would answer, “Oh, Geylang Serai lights up!” or, “Malay families wear Baju Kurungs of the same colour. From the father down to the baby,” and even, “Time where Muslims has no need to starve themselves already,”. Last year, my friend Derrick, wished me, “Happy New Year!” when Hari Raya Aidilfitri was approaching. While its quite amusing to know of people’s perception of Eid, it is sad that they don’t really know what the day is all about.
On my part, I feel that Eid Mubarak is the day where I genuinely want to meet all my relatives (though not only subjected to that day only) and strengthen the rapport we have. Also, it is the day where we reflect on our lives and be thankful for what we have, and to seek forgiveness for whatever wrong doing we might have done. Be it intentionally, or otherwise. In other words, it is a clean start after the holy month of Ramadhan.
Figure and ground is a concept where we draw a final conclusion, after having a perception with alot of exclusion factors that might be important. It is starting to be a tradition in my family where the morning of the first day of Syawal will be time set aside to visit the resting place of my grandmother at Chua Chu Kang. Initially my day started out rough. Knowing that I wont be able to physically embrace someone I love the most who brought me up for the first 18 years of my life, hurts me. I did not have a good night sleep and woke up crying as time and time again I realised I can never bring someone back to life, ever. Although I was distraught, as soon as I reached her resting place and saw a newly clothed white stone(aka Batu Nisan) with her name, her new “house” clean from any unkept dry grasses and plucked flowers beautifying it, sense of peace and calmness instantly fills my heart telling me that everything is and going to be alright. The perception is that my grandmother is within the hands of God(in my opinion) and the conclusion is of her being safe. Although reality is, I may never know for sure what happens to the long gone. Two years have passed, and that is my story of figure and ground where that is always the conclusion I draw up in order to keep myself going everyday.
Besides figure and ground, proximity can also be seen during Eid. This year, my family decided on pastel purple as our theme colour. Everyone, that includes my parents, my two younger brothers and myself wore the same colour. Whenever you see a group of people wearing similar colours during Eid, instantly you would assume that the proximity between those people are close i.e they are family members. Not only with colours, but proximity can be detected through the materials used and type of dressing. For example, my cousins are of Indian descent, hence being in a room full of Javanese/Malay descent who are wearing earthy Batik material, naturally, they stand out. Hence one can draw the conclusion that there is a close proximity and a possible relationship between those who are wearing a Sari.
Last but not least, I discovered something I have been oblivious of- similarity. When I first stepped into my eldest Aunt’s place, the first few people I look for are my cousins! There are a few traits that are common between us. Our age group for one thing, is between 18-25 years old. We also have similar character and that is, we love to crack jokes to liven up the moments together. Even on the chartered bus ride to visit our grandaunts and granduncles, we karaoke-d along to the tunes of old Raya songs. The children however, were busy exchanging tactics to beat the game in their Play Station Portable (PSP). That is why I dont hang around kids much. We do not have that many things in common. That is how similarity between certain people binds different groups together in my family.
It has only been a few hours yet, I do not think that my stand about what majority thinks of Eid Mubarak will change in this society we live in. It is, just another extravagantly glamourised public holiday.
Eid Mubarak (Eid = Festivity, Mubarak = Blessed) is usually the greeting that one gives while Eid ul-Fitr (fitr = break fast) is the name of the “festival”, I think.
Aidilfitri is supposed to be a religious celebration but because of the unique cultural make up of Singapore, it has become a Malay tradition of sorts. As with any religious practices, once its people forgets the true reason behind any practice, its significance is lost. Yes, I am sad that people forget what it is supposed to be about. Strengthening family ties, remembering those who have passed, reflecting on the holy month which just ended… but I’m not really bothered by what people think. As long as its not a gross misinformation to the extent of “Muslims don’t eat pork because they pray to a pig god” (yes, an undergrad frm a certain very well known local uni said that), I’ll let it go. You can’t change the world but as Ghandi said, you have to be that change you want to see. Do that, and you’ll see change happening just a little at a time.
HAHAHA. I was trying to look for you online to seek clarification on the “Eid Mubarak!” but Suhailah told me its correct! Thanks for the clarification, I will find more sources to correct it.
On another note, I feel what you are trying to say about who cares what people think so long that I, myself celebrate first day of Syawal how it is meant to be celebrated. However, what I worry is the fact that if everything in this world get commercialised, maybe 10 years down the road, people might REALLY start to think that Muslims do not eat pork because we pray to a pig god. And reason being, they were misinformed about the whole occassion throughout their lives that what they thought was true all along!.
I typed a cool reply then proceeded to accidentally close the window. SIGH.
Essentially what I said was this:
a) Wikipedia is a good place to start checking… or an arabic-english dictionary if you have one. I do! (well, three actually) =D
b) About the lost meaning and misinformation etc:
“The more we learn, the more we know what we dont know for sure” (Ted Sheridan) but “[I]t is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows” (Epictitus).
People will always think what they want to think. I think we make assumptions and have preconceived notions about things we see all the time but we rarely take the time to think about actually researching about the whys (which is why the govt is very adamant about schools implementing this “thinking schools learning nation” initiative… to encourage people to think beyond what is). These assumptions can be dangerous or sound downright stupid but because we don’t talk about race/religion, no one can correct each other.
Until we have an appropriate forum from which we can discuss such issues in public, the only way we can correct misconceptions/preconceived notions is through interaction with our close friends (within our community or otherwise). Those we can talk about everything to.
Why is having a proper discussion important? Vygotsky tells us that on our own, we only learn so much. It is through social interactions and discussions with a “more knowledgeable other” that we learn more. We have to strive to be that more knowledgeable other within our own circle to teach people about what Eid really is about. I do believe that the ripple of change can begin and continue if we remember to:
Be open-minded and accepting.
Have the willingness to learn and re-educate ourselves.
Assess and advise with wisdom and understanding but do not judge.
Hold on to our personal values (and His words).
People won’t be smart or more sensitive just because we want/need them to be. We all have a part to play in ensuring that our community which is in a country surrounded by majority Muslim countries, and is part of the fastest growing religion in the world, is not reduced to be a bunch of people who pray to a pig god.
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” – Alvin Toffler
Me, being me, do not like big religious festivities. I know many would disagree but I find it pointless that the day is for forgiveness and redemption aside the other reasons you mentioned. You can seek forgiveness and redemption everyday but everybody decided to be lazy so we just forgive and seek forgiveness in this special 1 day/month.
I know for many people, it serves a lot of purpose and meaning. I see my aunts, uncles, grandmothers crying while asking for forgiveness, and somehow, they still manage to continue their family issues crap afterwards. It’s just very hypocritical of them.
I think it’s one of the reasons why I lost “faith” and could not be bothered with traditions and what not.
Other than that, the “glamourized public holiday” is absolutely true. Everything has been diluted thru the means of media and just simply globalization if you see the big picture.
Anyway, I know you disagree with me for some parts. TELL ME. “Happy New Year” Sery (:
Hi iryx! haha.
As you guessed, or know, I do disagree on certain parts of your aguement. Despite disagreeing I do have to say that our views are similar- just that our takes on what is happening took on a two different paths.
Essentially, it is how you view/want Eid to be. Personally, I, feel that Eid is the day where you feel exceptionally grateful for having the things you have. Relationships, love and care among the long list of things. It is the day after the holy month where you seek forgiveness from anyone, everyone in order to start afresh, to be a better person. It is only worth asking and receiving forgiveness if you are really sincere about it. If you ask for forgiveness and retreat back to being hypocritical, it defeats the purpose of begging for forgiveness. It is like deliberately spilling a fresh new glass of milk right after it is being topped up. You dont appreciate that chance given; only to throw it all away again.
And mostly people take it for granted that Raya is the only day where they want to repent after bagging so much sin during the past year. So yes, I do agree with you that people nowadays are just plain hypocrites.
And yes, the fact that Eid is publicly glamourised to be all about lights food and money is bugging me. However, I am learning to let go of what society is acting it out to be. What matters most is what it means to me, and me only. And what it means to you, and yourself only.
On Eid:
Al-Baqarah, 185: “You shall complete the number (of days) and you may glorify God for His guiding you, and that you may be thankful.”
Every religious holiday is at risk of being commercialized, babe. Look at Christmas – its supposed to be about Jesus, but pple are probably more concerned with the presents, parties or sth. Aidilfitri – supposed to be about renewal after a month of cleansing during Ramadhan, hence fresh start with the asking for forgiveness & everything, but its become abt the money for kids, abt the deco/clothes/food for everyone else.
I think commercialization of such religious holidays seem inevitable if we live in a secular, multi-faceted society (multi-racial/religious). I guess its about advertising a religious holiday as a package that sounds interesting enough to other races. Maybe its kinda a way to keep things secular you know, imagine if you told pple what Christmas/Aidilfitri is really about, yeah theyd be interested maybe, & learn to respect it, but the holidays would feel exclusive. But if you kept it commercialized, other races could join in & celebrate cos its just another holiday.
But its still sad that its so commercialized that sometimes pple forget the true meaning of such holidays. Like that day I asked my tuition kid whats her fave part abt Eid, & she said she gets to buy new things with the money she gets. Cant blame her, were all probably brought up about the same way. If the kids are thinking that way, whos to say whats to happen to the meaning of the hol in the future? Hopefully kids grow up, wisen up when theyre older & learn to truly understand.
& of cos theres always parts of religion thats sounds hypocritical. But the true beauty of religion is that it isnt just a bunch of rigid rules, they encourage you to think about why the rules exist in the first place, & how it should be a way of life, to make life more meaningful. But also, religion is about free will, so believe what you want, nobody should force any ideas to you.
Anw, I agree, I think heck what the rest thinks about the hol, its what it means to you & how you celebrate it that matters most. But we gotta try & correct whatever wrong ideas if we hear it. & I guess the best way to clear things up about misunderstandings is to correct them along the way. Word of mouth is a pretty powerful thing.
Wow this was long. Haha my muse is back ah.
Your muse is totally back, babe. haha.
You gave me your view about holidays being commercialised to make it more inclusive for other people to enjoy it too. Its a fresh perspective that I wasnt able to see. Thank you for that. (:
“& of cos theres always parts of religion thats sounds hypocritical. But the true beauty of religion is that it isnt just a bunch of rigid rules, they encourage you to think about why the rules exist in the first place, & how it should be a way of life, to make life more meaningful.?”
It is true that the rules are there for people to ponder upon and find the (right) meaning as to why it exists in the first place… and having right befitting people to interpret the main ideas for the common masses who embraces it.
” But also, religion is about free will, so believe what you want, nobody should force any ideas to you.?”
However, the sentence above contradicts to what you said in the same paragraph. I believe that religion isnt about free will. Only the period before you embrace it, is ; having the free will to think/behave/become and accept any forms of teachings. Religion is an instituition of itself governed by rules. If there arent a set of rules to be followed, no instituition will exist in the first place. If you are free to think about anything you want pertaining to the religion, the outcome of your perception may be positive or negative.
But religion and its rules are never negative to the faithful followers. I believe free will describes “free thinkers” more than it does a religion. For example, in “thinking what you want” radicals have evolved and their actions does not conform to what the religion has taught. It has mutated to be something new, something different from the “original” religion itself. Eventually, disintegrating the instituition/religion entirely if ‘free will’ gets out of hand.
Heeee that was long , but yeah, thats what I have to say.
You are so right to say that modernisation has partly erased our traditions in one way or another. I have always been envious of how Muslims celebrate their occasion with so much enthusiasm and meaningful atmosphere. Well, at least you all are still wearing your traditional bajus. the chinese population in Singapore has got nothing to associate themselves with their race and roots besides their facial features and skin colour man. During CNY, we wear westernized clothing. What a waste!I strongly hold that conserving some culture roots and traditions’s important. Without these conventional dos and don’ts, we are stripped of our culture identity, leaving us just a “imitated”replica of a Caucasian, which we are not born to be.
HARI RAYA!
It is interesting to know how such quirks and practices that people do on Hari Raya can be related to communication theories.
As we grow older, the reasons we look forward to hari raya also changes. For the young ones and school-going kids, they look forward to the money coming in they they could use to get their desired item/s. For the older ones, we usually look forward to it to gather and re-connect with extended families over good food and merriment.
This just shows how face-to-face communication which involves touch (when we salam and hug) actually brings people closer apart from being heartwarming.
And yey! Hari Raya Haji coming! Say hello to good food and relatives too!