Aidil Fitri my Blessings...

Photo captured  with lumix LX3. (P&S)

Why do we admire scenes like this?  What is it about the beauty of nature that causes men, women, and even babies to stand in amazement?

“General Revelation.”  That is, God the Creator, has revealed aspects of His character and nature to all of mankind through His creation.  When we look at this sunset, we realize that God is BEAUTIFUL and the source of all beauty!

Today Muslims throughout the world celebrate the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The first day of Syawal is known as Eid-ul-Fitr in some parts of the world and Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri in Malaysia.

There will be family gatherings and reunions in the days ahead during the month of Syawal.

Those who live and work in cities away from their hometowns often make the effort to return to the places where they were born or lived as children.

But many more such as the Malaysian who work overseas and our fellow soldiers will celebrate the dawn of Syawal alone, away from family and friends.

Let us spare a thought for them and resolve to show compassion for them  as we enjoy the company of our loves ones and traditional delicacies specially prepared for the festivities.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA ,AIDIL FITRI.

MA'AF ZAHIR BATIN.

Is it last day of Ramadan...

The period of fasting ends when the new moon is sighted on the evening of the last day of Ramadan.The actual sighting is conducted by state

appointed religious officials at various points (usually at hilltops) throughout the country.If the crescent is sighted,the following day is then declared the first day of Aidilfitri,which is also the beginning of the 10th month of Muslim calendar SAWWA:L.(Syawal) 

People are rushing ..just in case to-morrow is Hari Raya.

The katupat casing on sale..

In Malaysia, the sighting of Syawal new moon to determine the date for Aidilfitri celebration will be held at 30 places nationwide on Sept 8 that is to-night.The Conference of Rulers has given its consent that the date for Aidilfitri  be fixed based on sighting  of the new moon and calculations.'The Keeper of the Ruler's Seal" will announce the Aidilfitri date over radio and television the same night.

Rush hour..traffic congested is common here, as you can see people are rushing to Gambier street,the most popular spot for Hari Raya needs.

Strictly Malaysian-Balik Kampung.

Loosely translated, "balik kampung" means to go back to one's hometown. However, it is most applicable when used to describe the annual pilgrimage of city folk to their respective hometowns during festive seasons.

It's not uncommon to find cities like Kuala Lumpur turning into ghost towns during Hari Raya Puasa and Chinese New Year due to this yearly exodus. This feeling of desolation in cities is magnified when festivals fall close together, such as Kongsi Raya (Hari Raya Puasa and Chinese New Year) although this happens only occasionally.

Ramadan-Teraweh Prayer.

Tarawih Prayers іn Malaysia

Tarawih / Taraweeh Prayer іѕ a special evening prayer performed bу Muslims throughout thе world οnƖу іn thе holy month οf Ramadan during whісh long рοrtіοnѕ οf thе Qur’аn аrе recited. Ramadan іѕ thе ninth month οf thе Islamic calendar аnԁ іѕ thе month whеrе аƖƖ Muslims fаѕt (“puasa” іn Malay) frοm sunrise tο sunset еνеrу day.

Performing Tarawih prayer іѕ a “sunnah” ( whісh means thе prayer іѕ voluntary hοwеνеr Muslims аrе strongly encouraged tο ԁο іt аѕ іt іѕ a practice bу Prophet Muhammad s.a.w) аnԁ іt іѕ nοt obligatory.

Tarawih / Taraweeh іѕ perform аftеr `Isha’ Prayer (Night Prayer). It саn bе perform аt home, alone οr іn congregation, οr аt a mosque. Hοwеνеr thе normal practice here іn Malaysia, Tarawih іѕ perform іn Mosques аnԁ “Suraus”. Men, women аnԁ kids wіƖƖ fload mosques аnԁ suraus within thеіr home іn thе whole month οf Ramadan.

ABC Wednesday letter 'J' is for JOY.

The JOY of celebrating Hari Raya.The children is the most JOYFUL person during Hari Raya.It's the only day when they get to wear new cloths(Baju Melayu).

As a child with all its JOY and happiness,with laughter and jokes amongst it friends .ABC Wednesday this week is letter J to see more 'J' kindly visit this home page

HERE

My World Tuesday-Hari Raya Preparation.

For place to visit by visit this homepage That's My World

The best time to visit Kuching is during the month of Ramadhan.Every year in the month of Ramadhan Muslim from within Kuching and outside Kuching will go to Gambier Street and India Street area to shop for cloth and food in preparation for their Hari Raya.

Hari Raya is very much commercialised in Malaysia.In the city like Kuching,shopping malls and commercial centres will hold big promotion and price discounts for festive shoppers as people purchase clothes and supplies.Decorations are hung in public areas and Hari Raya song will be played in shopping complexes.The media,such as TV will host various programs in conjunction with the celebrations and tourist are welcome to their open house.

Hari Raya-Family Gathering.

Sunday is the fifth days of Hari Raya and a very special day for us .We have a family gathering on my wife side.So i captured a few candids shots.I tell you what, every where we go for raya gathering always the children will tell the most stories such as sing a song of hari raya and the most interesting episode is baby cries .
Hi..that me posing with my mother in law,lovely wife and daughter.My two sons could not attend the gathering (medical leave i suppose)hehehe..consume too much carbonate drink and rendang.

City of People-Business as usual.

Mak Chik in yellow vest perform her duty to ensure that our city is clean.
Friday is the third day of Hari Raya .After perform my Friday prayer at city mosque I took this few shoot around the city(Kuching) and I can see that business as usual for most people here.
Look like hari raya mood is over.

Every Time Hari Raya-Traditional bamboo lamp(Pelita)

Every time hari raya ,Iwill remember my childhood days.Thus I think hari raya will fill me with nostalgia.I can hardly remember the memories of gotong royong (to help one another)puting bamboo lamp on our kampung street from one coner to another coner of every lorong(lane).
The above photo is second days of my photo hunting .It's look like the kampung folk here have to work hard to get the kerosene to light up the bamboo lamp (price of fuel does not matter here).