What is Hari Raya called in English?
Hari Raya is called 'Great Day' in English.
This term is widely used to refer to a significant celebratory occasion, most notably the festival marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Understanding Hari Raya and Its Meanings
In regions such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which signifies the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, is commonly known by several names, all stemming from or related to "Hari Raya." The literal translation of Hari Raya itself is 'Great Day,' emphasizing its importance as a major public holiday and a time for joyous gatherings, feasts, and family visits.
This 'Great Day' encompasses various specific terms depending on the regional context or the particular aspect of the celebration being highlighted:
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri: This is the most prevalent full name used in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei for Eid al-Fitr. It directly translates to "Great Day of Eid al-Fitr," signifying the grand celebration after Ramadan.
- Hari Raya Idul Fitri: An alternative spelling of Aidilfitri, also widely recognized and referring to the same Eid al-Fitr celebration.
- Hari Raya Puasa: Literally translating to "Great Day of Fasting," this term highlights the culmination of the fasting month (
Puasameans fasting), marking its successful completion. - Hari Raya Fitrah: This name refers to the charitable giving (
Zakat al-Fitror 'Fitrah') that Muslims are obliged to perform before the Eid prayers, emphasizing the purification aspect of the celebration. - Hari Lebaran: While "Hari Raya" is primarily used in the Malay-speaking world, "Lebaran" is the common Indonesian term for Eid al-Fitr, signifying a day of return and celebration after the fasting month. It is sometimes understood in broader contexts.
These terms collectively highlight the multifaceted significance of Hari Raya as a time for celebration, spiritual reflection, family reunion, and charitable acts, all culminating in a 'Great Day' of festivity.
