Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr on Malaysian Hospitality
by Michael Ebro Dakudao
Eid ul-Fitr, a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan (the Islamic holy month of fasting) has been recognized by the Philippine Government as a regular holiday by the virtue of Republic Act No. 1977 signed into law on Nov. 13, 2002. The law was enacted “in deference to the Muslim-Filipino community and to promote peace among major religions in the country.”
This year, however, Pres. Benigno C. Aquino III issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 10, 2010 a nationwide special non-working holiday.
“Eid is an Arabic word meaning ‘festivity’ while Fitr means ‘conclusion of the fast.’ Eid ul-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of the 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. It is the most important feast for Muslims all over the world,’ explained the bright Malaysian Consul General Mohammad Azhar Mazlan who invited me to his open house last Friday at 2:00 p.m.
“In Malaysia, Eid ul-Fitr is commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri so people greet each other Selamat Hari Raya (happy festivity). Malls are usually filled with people days ahead of the Eid which creates a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country creating traffic jams,’ the Malaysian ConGen explained.
“I was also informed that the wealthier ones often make reservations with local hotels which have successful marketing strategies offering “Eid ul-Fitr escape packages.” The good ConGen added, “There is a prevailing custom as well where workers such as maids and construction laborers return to one’s hometown or city and ask forgiveness from one’s parents, in-laws or elders. This is known as the balik kampong. Muslims also greet one another with ‘maaf zahir dan batin’ which means forgive my wrongdoings because Eid ul-Fitr is not only for celebrations but a time for atonement asking forgiveness for sins which one may have committed but was cleansed as a result of the fasting in the month of Ramadan.”
The Consul General and Madam Mazlan, along with their children Atiffe, Amirah, Daniel and Irfan, were in their traditional Malaysian clothing when they welcomed their guests during the open house. The Consul General and his sons wore Baju Malayu, shirts worn with a sarong known as kain samping or songket. Madam Amelia, on the other hand, wore her Baju Kabaya. Consul and Madam Kamal Norfarid Kamarudin and Vice Consul and Madam Muhammad Anwar Mahmud, likewise were in their traditional Malaysian clothing.
The Mazlan siblings looked bright and happy as kids are traditionally given “duit raya” (celebration money) by their parents and elders on this special occasion.
The Malaysian Consul General’s dining room had a buffet spread featuring special dishes prepared for the open house. I am grateful to Madame Norhasyimah Salleh for giving me a background on traditional Malaysian cuisine. First there was the basic nasi lemak which is the rice steamed with coconut milk and served with anchovies, peanuts, sliced cucumber, hard boiled eggs; and eaten with sambal tumis ikanbilis (chilli paste). This gracious lady also showed me the ketupat, a type of glutinous rice that was wrapped in a woven palm leaf pouch and boiled. These two rice dishes are usually served on festive occasions such as the Eid ul-Fitr. The rice complimented the Malaysian’s national dish of meat stew called rendang (beef and chicken) which Madame Amelia Mazlan served that afternoon. Included in the buffet table were mee goring, the Malaysian version of our pancit, and roasted chicken as well.
For dessert, I tasted the green-colored bakar which is similar taste and texture of our sapin-sapin. The dessert section had fruit cocktail gelatine and various cakes.
Thank you, ConGen and Madame Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, for inviting me to your home. I wish you all the best.
