Happy Hari Raya Puasa

The Muslims will be celebrating Hari Raya Puasa tomorrow after a month's fasting. I would like to wish all Muslims a very Happy Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Such a day is very meaningful to all Muslims because they have conquered the abstention of food which they normally take during the day. It is good discipline and it helps to make them experience what hunger is all about, thereby instilling in them the feeling of sympathy towrds those who have to go hungry especially children in some parts of our world.

On this auspicious day too, Muslims will forgive those who have inadvertently caused mental or physical harm to them. It is known as 'Maaf Zahir Batin' [Forgive physically and mentally] If my knowledge does not fail me, on the morning Muslims will pay a visit to the graves of their parents or relatives who have passed away. It is a show of respect to the dead because they have done some good deed to them such as bringing them up and giving them education. It reminds me of Cheng Beng Festival when the Chinese go to the graves of their late parents or relatives to clean up the burial places and pray there. This respect of the dead is shown annually.

Once again, 'Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri' to all Muslims.