THE HARI RAYA PUASA EDITION
01 – May 2021
PRINTDIGITAL
One cannot fully comprehend the significance of Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr) without an insight into Ramadan – they are two sides to the same coin. The literal meaning of ‘puasa’ being ‘fasting’, Hari Raya Puasa refers to a great day of celebration that marks the end of the fasting month.
Ramadan has deep spiritual meaning to Muslims, who believe that it was in this month that the Angel Gabriel revealed God’s message to the Prophet Muhammad, culminating in the Quran. As fasting is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, for 30 days, Muslims around the globe fast between sunrise and sunset to attain taqwa, a conscious awareness of Allah. The sighting of a crescent moon signals the end of the holy month and the beginning of festivities and feasting.
With COVID, last Ramadan and Hari Raya were like no other. Muslims in Singapore exchanged evenings at the bustling Ramadan bazaars for quiet dinners at home. Tarawih prayers and communal breaking of fast with strangers at the mosque were no longer a possibility. Regardless of COVID’s impact this year, we can find unity in the rituals of fasting and feasting, and seek comfort and continuity in the small things: messages from loved ones checking in, food sent by loved ones, and the beautiful sound of the azan (the call to prayer).
One does not need to be Muslim to appreciate and see the beauty in Ramadan and the celebration that ensues. In this issue, we pay tribute to the importance of community, the beauty of rituals, and the diversity of Muslim celebration food in Singapore.
In this Issue
A Month Like No Other
Five Muslims share about what the holy month means to them. Recipe for bubur lambuk.
The Rice that Binds
Traditional rice items are more than just palate pleasers. They are redolent with memories. Recipe for home-style lemang.
The Kuih to Your Heart
Four female entrepreneurs reflect on their signature kuih Raya and the stories behind them. Recipe for kuih bakar berlauk.
Cook Your Own Adventure
Find your forever sambal goreng. Recipe for Indian Muslim sambal goreng.
The Many Shades of Rendang
An exploration of the quintessential Hari Raya dish. Recipe for beef rendang.
Salam Lebaran, Selamat Hari Raya and Eid Mubarak
Delfina Utomo’s tribute to the lady who raised her. Recipe for opor ayam.
All on the Table
Classic Hari Raya dishes from Muslim communities in Singapore. Recipe for laksa Nina.
Thankful Dishes
Ideas to repurpose the leftovers from a Hari Raya feast.
