Hari Raya Puasa 2023 is only two weeks away! This year, it falls on 22 April 2023 (Saturday). Some of your Muslim colleagues may be inviting you to their houses during this season of joyous celebration, especially since all Covid-19 pandemic restrictions have been lifted. However, if you’re not too familiar with Hari Raya customs, you may be wondering how to conduct yourself during Hari Raya visitations.

But First, What is Hari Raya Puasa?

Hari Raya Puasa, as it is more commonly known amongst Singaporeans, marks the end of Ramadan. It goes by other names such as Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast). Hari Raya customarily falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. Make no mistake, Hari Raya Puasa is not the Muslim New Year!

As the month-long fasting comes to an end, Muslim families will congregate on the eve of Hari Raya to recite the Takbir. This is a prayer of gratitude to Allah for His bountiful blessings during Ramadan.

Besides reciting the Takbir, Muslim families will gather to make ketupat. A kind of rice cake wrapped in coconut leaves, ketupat is served as a side dish during celebratory feasts as well as used in decorations.

During Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims will visit their relatives and friends after making a trip to the mosque for prayers. Visitations typically continue for a full month—with the first week reserved for immediate or extended family members.

In the subsequent weeks, Muslims may host a Hari Raya open house where they invite friends of other religions, races, and cultures to visit. Hence, you may be invited to an open house by your Muslim colleagues.

5 Tips While Visiting During Hari Raya Puasa

1. Dress appropriately: When you visit your Muslim colleague's open house, be dressed in modest attire. Refrain from provocative or revealing clothes; tank tops and shorts are out of the question. This is because modesty is emphasised in Muslim faith and culture.

That being said, there are no taboo or inauspicious colours. Feel free to dress to the nines—and even colour coordinate your outfits!

2. Be aware of the time: Like any other event, be punctual. Confirm with the hosts what time you’re supposed to arrive.

While it is an open house visit, you should err on the side of caution and not overstay your welcome. Staying around 2 to 3 hours is ideal; the last thing you want is to unnecessarily impose on the host. A good gauge of when to leave is if you see another group of visitors streaming in.

3. Greet your Muslim colleague's family: When entering your Muslim colleague’s house, greet the hosts with a "Selamat Hari Raya!” You can also use the generic greeting of "Eid Mubarak", which means “blessed celebration” in Arabic.

Avoid shaking hands with individuals of the opposite gender as cross-gender contact is not looked upon favourably. Rather, place your right hand close to your heart in a Salam Mufti gesture.

4. Give green packets or other gifts: There is an established Hari Raya custom of distributing green packets to children or the elderly. Prepare some green packets to give your hosts’ children or aged parents who may be present at the open house.

While the hosts may not require you to bring a gift, it is better not to show up empty-handed. Stay away from gifts which have haram elements, whether it be alcohol or pork. Consult your Muslim colleague on his or her personal preferences.

5. Be mindful of dining etiquette: Take note that it is considered impolite to consume any food or beverages whilst standing up. Therefore, be seated before partaking in the feast which has been lovingly prepared by the hosts.

Furthermore, avoid using your left hand to eat, pass or receive food—as the left hand is deemed unclean. Use your right hand instead. And don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly before eating!

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