Sikmading's Sabah, Malaysian Borneo: Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

Psalm of the Day - Evening Prayer for Help

Answer Me When I pray, O God, my defender! When I was in trouble, you helped me. Be kind to me now and hear my prayer. How long will you people insult me? How long will you love what is worthless and go after what is false? Remember that the Lord has chosen the righteous for his own, and he hears me when I call to him. Tremble with fear and stop sinning; think deeply about this, when you lie in silence on your beds. Offer the right sacrifices to the Lord, and put your trust in him. There are many who pray: "Give me more blessings, O Lord. Look on us with kindness!" But the joy that you have given me is more than they will ever have with all their grain and wine. When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace; you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.

- Psalm 4, Book One taken from the Good News Bible, Today's English Version.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

Time flies and it's that time of the year again when Muslims all over the world including Malaysia celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. It is also known as Hari Raya Puasa. Puasa in the Malay language means Fasting. Thus, Hari Raya Puasa celebrates the end of a month of fasting which began on September 1.

Hari Raya Puasa is one of the two most important days in a year for the Muslims; the other being Hari Raya Aidil Adha which will be held later this year. It is also known as Hari Raya Haji, named after the Haj season in the Holy Land of Mecca. Both Hari Rayas (which means Day of Celebration) are public holidays in Malaysia. Islam is the official religion of Malaysia but the practice of other religions is guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.

I wish all my Muslim friends, wherever they may be, Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri!

(Note: Selamat literally means 'safe' but Selamat Hari Raya would be better translated as 'Happy Hari Raya' as in Happy New Year.)