Nur Diana Binte Ishak
Member, Malay Language and Cultural Society (MLCS)
BA Year 2
Ramadan and Hari Raya celebrations this year were undeniably different. As they fell during the Circuit Breaker period, we spent most of our time at home. On the positive side, this challenging time gave us the opportunity to spend quality time with our families, something that may be a luxury in normal circumstances.
Throughout the whole month of Ramadan, during the night, Muslims iftar or broke fast together as a family. With the closure of mosques, we also performed our taraweeh or Ramadan night prayers at home together. During the day however, I helped with house chores like cleaning the house and preparing food and drinks to break our fast. Nearing the end of Ramadan, my family’s tradition each year is to bake pineapple tarts, chocolate chip cookies, coffee almond cookies and cornflakes.
We also weave ketupat, where rice is cooked in small pouches made from young coconut leaves. This year, we did the same too.
NTU-NIE MLCS also came up with several initiatives to heighten the Hari Raya spirit. One of the initiatives included making a Hari Raya song-lyric video compilation. Muslim students were encouraged to take a video of ourselves singing a few verses of a popular Hari Raya song and wishing each other Selamat Hari Raya. Check out the video below!
MLCS sings Suasana Hari Raya
On the first day of Hari Raya this year, albeit only celebrating within our homes, Muslim families all over Singapore still dressed up in our new baju kurungs and ate delicious Hari Raya dishes to celebrate this important festivity. More importantly, we sought forgiveness and forgave one another, a practice that has always been the most important part of Hari Raya celebrations. And as usual, we connected with our relatives - although this year, through online platforms such as Zoom and WhatsApp video call. Even though we were not able to visit our family and friends face-to-face, our Hari Raya spirit was not dampened. We learned how to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and strengthen our relationships through other possible means. More importantly, we learned to be responsible individuals by staying home and staying safe.
Check out more of MLCS' initiatives at @ntuperbayu on Instagram.
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