Hari Raya Aidiladha promotes unity in communities

SHAH ALAM – Celebrated with heartfelt rituals and compassionate sacrifices, Hari Raya Aidiladha stands as a beacon of unity within communities, fostering cooperation at every turn of its sacred process.

This auspicious occasion brings together people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs, strengthening bonds of kinship and solidarity.

Solihin Zikri, 33, said that his Hari Raya Aidiladha’s experience differs from Hari Raya Aidilfitri as his extended family does not gather for the former.

Living near one another, they opt for visits during the afternoon and evening, relishing in 'sup tulang'.

“The most memorable aspect of Hari Raya Aidiladha, for me, occurs post-morning Raya Prayer, when individuals of all ages come together to observe the sacrifice of animals like cows and lambs.

“Regardless of race or age, everyone cooperates seamlessly throughout each step of the process.

“I have cherished participating in this tradition since my teenage years, enjoying light-hearted banter with the elderly and friends, as we gather and work side by side at the mosque during Hari Raya Aidiladha,” he said,

In his view, Solihin said that preserving the yearly tradition of attending the mosque and assisting with the rituals during Hari Raya Aidiladha is crucial.

He emphasised that it serves as an effective means to foster cooperation and a strong sense of unity within the community.

“Being from Selangor, I am accustomed to the presence of Muslim foreigners, including those from Bangladesh, during Hari Raya Aidiladha and I have always welcomed their participation.

“I see no issue with their presence as Islam transcends race and ethnicity; they are simply honest foreign workers seeking livelihoods in Malaysia.

“In my neighbourhood, community and mosques, we have always embraced everyone with open arms, particularly during Hari Raya celebrations,” he added.

Solihin reiterates his point, that the tradition of Hari Raya Aidiladha serves as an effective means to instil the values of cooperation and community togetherness.

“It is vital that we impart these values to our children and youth from a young age so they feel empowered to contribute positively to their communities. Through this tradition, they can learn essential skills such as cooperation and respectful communication, particularly towards elders.

“Teaching these values early on is imperative for their development and societal contribution,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Nurul Najwa, 21, who hails from Terengganu said that Hari Raya Aidiladha holds a profound significance for her, akin to the excitement surrounding Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Terengganu, my hometown known for its vibrant celebrations.

“The festivities kick off as early as 7am with the Raya prayer, followed by the Qurban ritual attracting crowds by 8am. It is a spectacle to behold, with multiple locations bustling with participants, adding to the festive ambiance.

“After that, men in the community unite to clean and distribute the meat to the less fortunate, relatives and neighbours. In our hometown tradition, while men perform the Qurban, women prepare ingredients for cooking at home.

“When the men return with the meat, women take charge of cooking dishes to share with loved ones and neighbours. This division of labour highlights the tight-knit community bonds and spirit of collaboration among Malaysian Muslims, exemplified in these communal practices,” she said.

Najwa also emphasised that community engagement and cooperation play a pivotal role in the observance of Hari Raya Aidiladha.

She firmly believes that community involvement is essential for the success of any communal endeavour.

“When everyone cooperates, the entire process during the day flows seamlessly. In my village, this cooperative spirit is evident as everyone lends a hand, and this shared experience fosters a stronger sense of unity within the community.

“Moreover, the tradition of sharing meat and foods with neighbours and relatives reinforces familial and communal bonds, ensuring everyone shares in the blessings of the celebration.

“Without active community participation, these traditions would lose much of their significance and impact.

“It is not merely about celebrating Hari Raya; it is about collective action, mutual support, and ensuring that everyone, particularly the less privileged, partakes in the festive spirit,” she added.

Najwa also highlighted that the customs and rituals of Hari Raya Aidiladha present invaluable learning experiences for educating younger generations about the significance of unity and collaboration.

“Through active involvement in these acts of kindness and empathy, youth gain practical insights into the importance of sharing blessings and collective effort for the betterment of the community,” she noted.