Tying the knot with a spouse from abroad comes with several advantages and disadvantages, including returning home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays with in-laws in a different country.
This involves participating in their traditional Hari Raya festivities and experiencing a cultural exchange while sharing the joyous occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri with a new family, something that might feel unfamiliar to first-timers.
While some may not be able to do so frequently, especially due to distance and travel costs, including air tickets, most can manage if their spouses are from neighbouring countries like Singapore and Malaysia. Bruneian Noorbaidzayanie binti Kamis from Kampong Kulapis, married to a Malaysian citizen, this year decided to travel to her husband’s hometown in Bandar Sri Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan, after being unable to return for the past eight years, to spend the Hari Raya celebrations there.
One advantage of travelling during the festive season is that you can find good deals on airfare and avoid long queues, as fewer people travel during Hari Raya.
“Celebrations there feel so lively. Two days before Hari Raya, my husband’s family started gathering at their parents’ house, and there’s we heard the constant sound of firecrackers and colourful fireworks. On the eve of Hari Raya and the first day of celebrations, the whole neighbourhood lit firecrackers and fireworks as if in a competition.”
She added that it was an atmosphere they had long missed, as the Hari Raya spirit is felt everywhere, especially seeing houses preparing for the celebration and hearing the joyful sound of children excited to meet their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
This, she added, is the highlight of Hari Raya celebration outside the city, an atmosphere not typically found in Brunei, where there are fewer gatherings or sleepovers on the eve and the celebrations peak after the Hari Raya prayers.
Suzi Imran is a Bruneian married to a foreigner from the Middle East. This Hari Raya marked only her second time celebrating with her in-laws in a very different Hari Raya setting, except for the tradition of visiting relatives to greet and seek forgiveness, a highlight of the festivities for Muslims worldwide.
Her first Hari Raya experience, shortly after they married, was both sweet and humourous, as she hadn’t anticipated the differences in celebrations.
Initially, they planned to alternate years for home visits, but due to work commitments and the expenses of extended stays abroad, they agreed to travel when the time was right.
This year proved perfect, as both of them could take leave.
Based on her first experience, Suzi was more prepared for this year’s celebration, though she expected surprises.
She joined in the celebration with her in-laws and their families, despite the absence of her father-in-law, who passed away two years ago.
Meanwhile Haji Zulhilmi Jaidin said; “Alhamdulillah, I was blessed with the opportunity to perform umrah during the holy months of Ramadhan and Syawal this year, a journey that left an unforgettable experience that will forever be etched in my heart. I have always wanted to experience fasting in the last 10 nights of Ramadhan and celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Makkah and Madinah,” .
On the first day of Hari Raya, they prayed on the road outside their hotel, despite leaving at 4am, as their hotel was less than 200 metres from the mosque.
“Hari Raya in Madinah was simple, yet so full of joy. After the Aidilfitri prayer, the warm greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak’ echoed through the streets. Though I was far from home, we celebrated with Muslims from every corner of the globe, sharing smiles and prayers. The unity and spirit of the ummah made me feel like I belonged.” – Lyna Mohamad
