Festival_The Joy of Raya, Series 1 • Acrylic on canvas • 46 cm x 157.5 cm • 2022 • by artjamila
Interpretation: This painting depicts the festivities of Muslims. Before Eid al-Fitr, there would be Ramadan month, when Muslims are obligated to fast every day for a month, starting from when the sun rises to when the sun falls. It is a religious ritual where the worshippers submit to God through congregational prayer every night. After the month ends, Muslims would celebrate Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr. This festival features traditional food such as lemang, ketupat and rendang. Family members gather during this special day to share the love and joy of the festival, with many of them travelling back to their rural villages. The next festival is Hari Raya Haji, otherwise known as Eid al-Adha. Qurbani is a prominent ceremony during this festival. It sacrifices sheep, cows or goats to feed the poor. According to Islamic law, the animal must be in good health and an adult to be a candidate.