Hari Raya event unites through shared traditions

The Hari Raya Unity Celebration 2025, held on the second day of Syawal, drew Malaysians from all walks of life to the Islamic Information Centre under the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), radiating warmth, inclusiveness, and mutual respect. Backed by MAIS, the event reinforced the message that shared celebrations can bridge cultural and religious divides, offering a model of unity in Malaysia’s diverse social fabric.

Starting at 9:30 AM, guests were welcomed with heartfelt hospitality, setting the mood for a day of shared experiences and discovery. The gathering blended traditional festivity with educational and cultural engagement, creating a platform for meaningful interaction across communities.

Embracing shared values

The event opened with an address by YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Imran Ho bin Abdullah, Chairman of the Islamic Information Centre Steering Committee. His speech highlighted the central theme of the day: unity in diversity. By focusing on shared values such as compassion, mutual respect, and community spirit, his remarks served as a reminder of the role interfaith understanding plays in maintaining harmony in Malaysia.

The spirit of inclusivity was deepened during the casual talk session titled “Arts and Culture from the Islamic Perspective”, led by YBhg. Ustaz Muhammad Fitri bin Abdullah, Chairman of PERKIM Selangor. He offered enlightening insights into how Islamic art and culture reflect spiritual and ethical values, encouraging respect and empathy among different communities. His message resonated with attendees, many of whom were from non-Muslim backgrounds, as it opened a window into the broader Islamic worldview that appreciates beauty, peace, and togetherness.

Interactive performances and cultural demonstrations

Festivities continued with a soulful nasyid performance by Muslaf from PERKIM Selangor, blending melody and message to convey Islamic principles of brotherhood and harmony. The performance was met with warm applause, reinforcing the unifying power of music in celebrating faith and shared human values.

A standout activity was the live ketupat weaving demonstration, which captivated attendees young and old. Participants eagerly tried their hands at crafting the traditional rice dumpling, gaining a deeper appreciation of the symbolic meaning behind this quintessential Hari Raya delicacy. Alongside this was an Islamic calligraphy showcase, where the beauty of the Arabic script was on full display, drawing interest from those fascinated by the artistic and spiritual dimensions of Islamic heritage.

Unity in diversity on full display

Adding further significance to the occasion was the presence of invited guests from various religious and cultural groups. Representatives from Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia (BMSM), and the Baháʼí community participated actively, underscoring the event’s spirit of interfaith cooperation. Their engagement symbolised the nation’s ongoing efforts to promote understanding and respect across all beliefs and backgrounds.

Complementing the day’s programme was a sumptuous spread of festive food—lemang, rendang, satay, ketupat, and an array of traditional Malay kuih—offered generously to all attendees. This culinary experience gave guests not just a taste of Hari Raya, but also a sense of the shared joy that defines Malaysian hospitality.

The 2025 Hari Raya Unity Celebration was more than a religious gathering—it was a living expression of Malaysia’s multicultural identity and its collective aspiration for unity. By bringing people of different faiths and cultures together to share, learn, and celebrate, the event served as a powerful reminder of the strength that lies in diversity.

In a time when global communities often grapple with division, the celebration at the Islamic Information Centre offered an inspiring vision of what can be achieved through mutual goodwill and cultural openness. It stood as a testament to Malaysia’s ongoing journey toward greater unity, compassion, and national solidarity.