Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri
The English phrase "happy Ramadan" can be expressed in Malay, with the default form being Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Meaning: An expression used during Ramadan (phrase)
Which one should you use?
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri specifically refers to the celebration at the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) rather than the month of fasting itself. To focus on the month of Ramadan, you may use Selamat Menyambut Ramadan (Happy Ramadan) or Selamat Berpuasa (Happy Fasting).
When do people say it?
For a formal blessing, you can say Semoga Berkat Ramadan Menyertai Anda, which means "May the blessings of Ramadan be with you".
Did you know?
- The word hari meaning 'day' appears in the Laguna Copperplate Inscription from 900 AD as ari, making it one of the oldest written words in the region.
- Greeting someone with Selamat Berpuasa specifically wishes them a 'happy fasting' rather than just a happy holiday.
- The greeting Selamat Berpuasa is specifically used during the fasting month, as saying Selamat Hari Raya too early would be premature since that marks the end of the fast.
Example conversation
Two friends meeting during the holiday celebration.
- MuhammadSelamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Farah!Happy Eid al-Fitr, Farah!
- FarahSelamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Muhammad!Happy Eid al-Fitr, Muhammad!
- MuhammadTerima kasih kerana menjemput saya.Thank you for inviting me.
- FarahSama-sama, mari masuk ke dalam.You are welcome, let's go inside.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Aidilfitri, Raya, hari, raya, selamat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
