SELAMAT HARI RAYA PUASA

TOGETHERNESS ON RAYA
One big and happy family

After asking for fogiveness from hubby

Thaqif and dad have a close bond

I love you sonny!

Please forgive me of my wrong doings, Dad

My boys have become men. Both brothers are close & get along well. Amin

Thaqif resembles his grand dad a litle bit

Thaqif is quiet but easy to pleased

Nizar has a kind heart and is jovial

Tini who has become like part of our family

A sad moment for us as we ask for forgiveness from each other

We appreciate what you have done for us Tini

Mum is being taken care by Tini

A mother's love is for eternity. Love you Nizar!

Love you mummy.....and may you have good health always

Father as a friend too. Thanks Dad for being there when I need you

All smiles on Raya morning

Hubby with my mum

Heaven lies under your mother's feet

Thaqif and his Nenek Sabiah. Thanks for cooking for me

Love you Nenek and thanks for taking care of me when I was young

TIME FOR FORGIVENESS & REFLECTION

After a month of fasting in Ramadhan, Muslims welcome the 1st of Syawal with a prayer in the mosque and asking for forgiveness from the loved ones. Some families would also visit the graves of their loved ones after the Hari Raya morning prayers where all mosques are full to he brim. Feasting in the form of open house and celebration continue for the whole month as relatives and friends pay a visit to one another's home.

At home, after the prayers, my family gathered together to ask for forgiveness from every member. Asking for forgiveness for our past deeds, begins with the youngest in the family begging for forgiveness from the eldest. It is a solemn and sad moment as one reflects upon the past and wrong doings in terms of 'actions and words' and vow not to repeat them. We also ask for 'halalkan' or asking for blessing for the food that we have consumed from the ones we are asking forgiveness too.

My son Nizar started the session by kneeling down and clasping his Nenek's hands to ask for forgiveness. Hugs and kisses were exchanged before he received the green packet from Nenek Sabiah. The whole procedure of asking for forgiveness from children to parents, from wife to husband, from brothers to sisters, from enemies to friends etc is a must in all Muslim households.

As for my family, the session is repeated till everyone in the house had completed their round of asking for forgiveness. Syawal hails a new beginning, a fresh chapter and a clean slate to chart one's life for the following months to come till the next Syawal arrives again.