Malaysian netizens are divided after a Threads post questioned the practice of celebrating Hari Raya throughout Syawal, sparking debate over culture, religion and personal choice.
A Threads post by user @lail.el.ilmy has sparked heated debate among Malaysian netizens after he urged the public not to “normalise a month of Raya”.
In his post, he argued that Hari Raya refers to a day, not a month, stressing that celebrations should not stretch across Syawal. He pointed out that even Aidiladha, which is longer in religious context, only lasts around five days including the days of tashriq.
He added that while visiting relatives until the end of Syawal is acceptable, continuously wishing “Selamat Hari Raya” and playing festive songs throughout the month is unnecessary. Quoting a Quranic verse about avoiding excess, he also highlighted concerns over overeating, rising obesity rates and the pressure of hosting open houses amid inflation.
The post quickly went viral, with many netizens flooding the comments section, sparking a heated exchange of opinions.
Many disagreed with the post, saying how people celebrate is a personal choice.
Khidir.ruslin wrote “Let’s normalise mind your own business. YOU DO YOU. If you don’t want to celebrate, follow your own way. Let people have whatever they want.”
Azzkhan2 commented “If you want to celebrate one day or don’t want to celebrate at all, that’s your problem… because there are others who want to celebrate for a month, some want until Raya Haji, some want every day to be Raya… why are you so busy about it.”
“Allahu, there’s always something wrong. Nowadays people want to be happy also wrong. Everything must ‘stop normalise’, if you don’t want to celebrate that’s your problem, you don’t have to control other people. It’s not like Malaysians take annual leave for the whole month during Syawal to celebrate. What is the problem?” deeda said.
“Please, did you just wake up or what?? It’s already a whole month, hello?? As long as it’s called Syawal just celebrate. So bitter,” theonlyhasyaa added.
Others pointed out that extended Raya celebrations are more about maintaining relationships rather than the celebration itself.
Fdshmi wrote “Raya in Malay culture strengthens relationships… this is the only time we can meet relatives who live far away… only meet once a year… you think Raya is only about eating?”
Nabilaa.adii commented “This is the time we are able to plan to meet friends. After this, not sure we can meet again because everyone is busy with their own matters. Also, as long as it is still Syawal, there are many open houses, this is the opportunity to strengthen relationships. If you feel anti-social, don’t make others anti-social as well.”
“Yes, that’s true bro, people do celebrate, perform Raya prayers, wear proper new clothes, and celebrate with parents, first day only. That’s normal. So it is true Raya is one day. BUT what makes it long is because during this Raya holiday period, this is the only time to visit relatives. Raya itself is the reason. Meaning because of Raya people are more open to receive guests. On other days, people don’t simply come. Guests are رزقي (blessings). The rest, if you want to celebrate only one day, just do it. No need to be busy about other people’s Raya. It’s not a sin,” _sekutil said.
“Sir, celebrating for a month does not mean every day we celebrate. Maybe just one or two open house invitations. We celebrate by visiting each other and hosting people with food. It is a good practice, nothing wrong,” mnhisyam_ah added.
Some netizens acknowledged the religious perspective but said the practice has become part of local culture.
Azamalbanjari wrote “It has become culture. But we ourselves can change the way and approach. I complete my six days of fasting first, second day of Raya already fasting because there are no invitations. After finishing the six days, then only attend invitations. Even Arabs in vlogs praise Malaysia’s way of celebrating Raya. Therefore, it depends on us how we want to celebrate.”
“Hmm not sure. In the calendar, as long as it says Syawal, for me it is the month of Raya… what is wrong with Syawal? Because of open houses? Because of Raya songs? Raya clothes? If even greeting is wrong, then where exactly is the problem?” sha_rashid313 said.
Several comments also took a more sarcastic tone, criticising the original post.
Khairullah__aj wrote “Don’t want. You just be lonely at home. I want to go celebrate for a month. Want to meet old friends, relatives, eat delicious food, chat. You just stay at home and watch TV about global warming, okay. Selamat Hari Raya bro.”
Aishahjamil28 commented “Oh my God, even playing Raya songs becomes an issue now? What a very sad life that is.”
“Early Raya most people are at their hometown, where is the time to finish visiting everyone within that period… just let it be, they do open house, they are not even inviting you… you just stay at home and carry on as usual…” nizam_jentik_jentik added.
The Sun Malaysia
