Father Sez

This Tuesday, the 30^th of September corresponds with the last day of the month of Ramadhan of the Islamic calendar. Marking the last day of the fasting month. And on Wednesday dawns the 1^st day of Shawal of the Islamic calendar, or Aidil Fitri. 

(In Malaysia, this day (as well as the beginning of Ramdahan) is decided by the sighting of the new moon. The Islamic Department Authorities have about 29 sites at various points all around the country at which the sighting is done. The sighting is then announced over the TV and radio stations by the Keeper of the Royal Seal. Hence the above dates are subject to the confirmation of the sighting.) 

Picture Credit: Google ImagesOn Aidil Fitri, Muslims take extra effort to renew ties with friends and family by visiting them. In fact many Muslims households have a tradition of an “open house” where everyone is free to drop in and visit. This is especially so for the leaders of the country where it is not uncommon to see almost 10,000 people lining up to drop by the house of the Prime Minister. 

Children have a particularly grand time. Food is aplenty and gifts in the form of small sums of money can be expected from almost every household they visit.  

I take this opportunity to wish all Muslims: 

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI, MA’AF ZAHIR & BATIN.