Here are a few questions and answers for those who which to know. 

What is Hari Raya?

Idul Fitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a major religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, including in Indonesia. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Idul Fitri is a time for Muslims to come together with family and friends to celebrate the completion of Ramadan and to give thanks for the strength and endurance they have gained during the month of fasting.

In Indonesia, Idul Fitri is a significant holiday, and it is commonly referred to as “Hari Raya Idul Fitri” or simply “Hari Raya.” It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and visiting relatives and friends. Muslims in Indonesia typically attend special prayers at mosques in the morning, and then spend the day visiting loved ones, asking for forgiveness and sharing meals together.

During Idul Fitri, it is also common for Muslims to give to the poor and needy through acts of charity known as “zakat al-fitr” or “fitrah,” which is a form of obligatory charity given before the Eid prayers. The holiday is marked by joyous celebrations, new clothes, special foods, and the exchanging of gifts.

Overall, Idul Fitri is a time of spiritual reflection, gratitude, forgiveness, and community that holds great cultural and religious significance in Indonesia.

What are the national holidays surrounding Hari Raya?

In Indonesia, the national holiday surrounding Idul Fitri is known as “Lebaran” or “Hari Raya Idul Fitri.” The holiday period typically lasts for around two weeks, including several days before and after the actual day of Idul Fitri. 

The Indonesian government usually declares a collective holiday period for citizens to celebrate Idul Fitri and spend time with their families. During this time, many businesses, government offices, and schools are closed to allow people to participate in the festivities and travel to visit their families in different parts of the country.

The holiday period surrounding Idul Fitri in Indonesia is a significant time for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to come together, celebrate, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It is a time when many people travel to their hometowns or villages to be with their families, share meals, exchange gifts, and seek forgiveness from one another. The holiday period is also marked by increased traffic as many people embark on the annual tradition of “mudik,” which is the mass exodus of people returning to their hometowns for the holiday.

Is it advisable to travel during mudik?

To reduce the likely-hood of delays, it is advised to consider  traveling before or after the peak period

Should non-Muslims give gifts to Muslim friends or associates during Hari Raya ?  

Giving gifts during Idul Fitri (Hari Raya Idul Fitri) is a common practice among Muslims in Indonesia and other countries as part of the festive celebrations. While it is not a strict requirement for non-Muslims to give gifts during Idul Fitri, it is considered a thoughtful gesture and can be a nice way to participate in the spirit of the holiday and show respect for Muslim friends, neighbors or colleagues who are celebrating.
If you have Muslim friends, neighbors or colleagues who are celebrating Idul Fitri, giving a small gift as a token of goodwill and best wishes can be a nice way to show your appreciation for their culture and traditions. Common gifts during Idul Fitri may include food items, sweets, flowers, or other thoughtful items.
When giving gifts to Muslims during Idul Fitri, it is important to be mindful of cultural sensitivities and traditions. Avoid giving gifts that are not considered appropriate during the holiday period, such as items containing alcohol or pork, as these are not permitted in Islam.
Ultimately, the decision to give gifts during Idul Fitri as a non-Muslim is a personal choice, but it can be a meaningful way to show kindness and respect towards your Muslim friends and acquaintances during this special time of celebration.

What is the significance of the moon in Muslim traditions?

The moon holds significant importance in Muslim traditions and Islamic culture for several reasons:

1. Lunar Calendar: The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon. This calendar determines the timing of Islamic months, including the start and end of important religious events such as Ramadan, Hajj, and Eid al-Fitr. The sighting of the new moon marks the beginning of each Islamic month.

2. Determining Islamic Months: The sighting of the crescent moon is used to determine the start of the new Islamic month. This practice is known as moon sighting or “ru’yah.” Muslims look for the crescent moon after the end of the current month to determine the beginning of the next month.

3. Symbolism: The moon is a symbol of the passage of time, the cyclical nature of life, and the link between the earthly realm and the divine. In Islamic art and architecture, the moon is often depicted as a symbol of beauty, light, guidance, and the spiritual journey of the faithful.

4. Religious Observances: The moon plays a crucial role in determining the timing of religious observations and rituals in Islam. For example, the beginning and end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. Additionally, the Hajj pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are also linked to the lunar calendar.

Overall, the moon holds symbolic and practical significance in Muslim traditions, serving as a guide for the timing of religious observances, a symbol of beauty and spirituality, and a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and faith.