The Enduring Legacy of Ismail Marzuki’s Hari Lebaran
Enjoy the Timeless Melodies of Eid with ‘Hari Lebaran’: A Celebration of Tradition and Unity! Join the Joyous Celebrations and Discover the Cultural Legacy Behind Indonesia’s Popular Anthem. Dive into the Musical Journey of Eid al-Fitr!
As the holy month of Ramadan ends, the joyous holiday of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” begins. Among the official receptions, private visits, and the exchange of gifts, there is one tradition that resonates across generations and borders: the eternal tune of “Hari Lebaran” created by Ismail Marzuki.
Ismail Marzuki, an Indonesian music master, composed “Hari Lebaran” in the 1950s, shortly after Indonesia gained independence. Didi, a pseudonym for Suyoso Karsono, originally performed this song at RRI Jakarta in 1954. The song soon acquired popularity and has since become an essential part of the Eid al-Fitr festivities.
“Hari Lebaran” is more than just a joyous song. It is a social critique that reflects the times in which it was created. The lyrics are more than just welcomes; they also include subtle criticisms. This combination of joyful celebration and critical critique is likely what has kept “Lagu Lebaran” relevant and popular to this day.
Throughout the years, several performers have covered the song, each with their own unique interpretation. From Gita Gutawa to Tasya, Ungu to Deredia, each performance has helped to keep the song alive in the hearts of its listeners. The song’s adaptation to different musical forms demonstrates its eternal popularity.
Eid al-Fitr is a time for meditation, celebration of faith, and joy. As families and friends meet to celebrate the conclusion of the fasting season, “Hari Lebaran” frequently acts as the soundtrack. Its song ripples across homes and streets, adding to the celebratory ambiance.
In conclusion, Ismail Marzuki’s “Hari Lebaran” is more than just a song. It is a cultural artifact, a piece of history, and a treasured tradition. As we commemorate Eid al-Fitr, let us remember this eternal tune that continues to bring us together in celebration, meditation, and thankfulness. Here’s to the enduring heritage of “Hari Lebaran” and the timeless melodies of Eid al-Fitr.
Fasting Frenzy: The Places with the Most Extreme Ramadan Fasts
As the holy month of Ramadan enters the Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world start on a spiritual journey of fasting from dusk til dawn. This ritual, known as ‘Sawm,’ is one of Islam’s Five Pillars and is deeply revered. However, the length of fasting varies widely across the globe due to regional variances, resulting in some remarkable extremes.
Fasting periods in the world’s far north, such as Greenland and Iceland, can last up to 17 hours. This is owing to the tilt of the Earth and the sun’s position, which causes longer daylight hours during the summer months. In extreme northern locations such as Longyearbyen in Norway, where the sun does not set from April 20 to August 22, religious judgments have been made requiring Muslims to fast according to the fasting times of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, or the next Muslim country.
In contrast, Muslims in the world’s southernmost countries, such as New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina, fast for approximately 12 hours. This is owing to the decreased daylight hours observed in certain regions during Ramadan.
Fasting times are inextricably related to the lunar Hijri calendar, which is dependent on the moon’s phases. This calendar is made up of 29 or 30-day months, making it 11 days shorter than the solar year. As a result, Ramadan starts 10 to 12 days earlier every year. This shifting cycle means that Ramadan will be observed twice in 2030.
Fasting begins approximately eight hours after the last meal. The fast comprises abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse during daylight hours in order to increase “taqwa,” or God-consciousness. Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal to begin the daily fast, and breaking one’s fast after sunset is called Iftar.
The practice of fasting during Ramadan demonstrates the great diversity and adaptation of Islamic traditions around the globe. Whether it’s a quick 12-hour fast in the southern hemisphere or a long 17-hour fast in the north, the spirit of Ramadan brings Muslims all around the world together in a shared experience of faith, patience, and endurance.
As we wonder at the geographical extremes of fasting, we are reminded of the universal ideals that Ramadan represents: empathy, self-discipline, and a sense of community. Regardless of the length of the day, the essence of Ramadan stays constant, brightening the lives of millions of people worldwide.