Malaysian Independence Day

In this 2012, Malaysia celebrated its 55th Independence Day (Hari Kemerdekaan Malaysia 2012) on Friday, 31 August 2012. Just like the previous years, Malaysia Independence Day 2012 will be celebrated throughout August 2012 and possibly extended until mid-September 2012. Malaysia observe the Independence Day 2012 as a public holiday. This year 2012, the theme of Malaysia Independence Day will be “Janji Ditepati” (A Promise Fulfilled).

The logo of Malaysian Independence Day In 2012

Lets take a look a joyful celebration in Dataran Merdeka during the Independence Day :

*Thank you

Eid Celebration

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).

Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr(charity of fast-breaking).

On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.

After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday. These activities traditionally continue for three days.

Eid al-Fitr malay food tradition in Malaysia :

Lemang

ketupat

Buras

Lodeh

Kelupis

For Malaysian, we also have a 'kuih raya' to give to the guest while visiting the house such as :

Almond London is one of the popular cookies in hari raya

*Thank you

What is Ramadhan ?

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The five pillars are:

1. Faith - Faith entails believing we should only worship the Creator of the Universe and not worship human beings, animals, statues, our desires, or anything else. Faith also entails belief that our Creator sent guidance of right and wrong via messengers such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the Final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad. His message served to purify the guidance of the previous messengers from alterations made by mankind over the centuries. His message also provided a comprehensive set of divine laws for humankind, applicable to all situations for all times to come.

1. Prayer - Establishing prayer five times a day, serving as a reminder through out the day of our purpose in life: to worship our Creator.

1. Zakat - Mandatory charity given once a year by those who have the means. Voluntary charity is also heavily emphasized in Islam.

1. Fasting - Abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations during the month of Ramadan, thereby developing characteristics of patience, self-restraint, and God consciousness.

1. Hajj - Pilgrimage to the city of Mecca for those who are financially and physically able. It is a spiritual quest of submission to God and purification of the heart.

Every year during the Islamic the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast daily, from dawn until dusk. Fasting entails abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. By withholding ourselves from some of our most basic and carnal needs and desires, Muslims develop self-restraint: the ability to stop ourselves from doing something we deeply desire, simply out of obedience to our Creator. This month-long training helps us develop the strength to live a life of purity and obedience to God despite the temptation to sin.
Those who are sick, elderly, traveling, or women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break their fast and make up the missed days at a later time. If they are unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children are required to begin fasting from the age of puberty.
Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of spiritual self purification. For example, by cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, a fasting person gains greater sympathy with those who go hungry, thereby becoming a more compassionate and generous person.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. The entire community comes together for special prayers and to congratulate each other. The rest of the day is typically spent visiting friends and family, enjoying time together.

Kurma is a sunnah fruit for fasting break

Fasting break food in Malaysia

*Thank you :)