5 Unspoken Rules of Celebrating Ramadan & Raya That All M’sians Should Know By Now!

With the arrival of the Ramadan month, Malaysians are excited to celebrate the fasting month while preparing for Raya. Of course, with every festivity, there are always certain do’s and don’ts that Malaysians should be aware of. So, if you’re unfamiliar with Ramadan or Raya celebrations, we’ve compiled a few ‘unspoken rules’ that could help you survive these festivities!

1. Don’t say “I should fast too so I can lose weight” to your Muslim friends

There’s no harm for non-Muslims to try fasting during Ramadan but remember to be respectful and avoid phrases like “I need to fast too so I can lose weight” in front of your Muslim friends!

Yes, fasting does lead to weight loss for some but the holy month is mainly about spiritual growth and not just a form of dieting!

2. If you want to avoid the ‘iftar’ crowd, make your dinner plans ahead of time

During Ramadan, it’s normal to see restaurants being jam-packed during buka puasa hour (after sunset). If you’re not a fan of big crowds, we recommend avoiding Muslim-friendly or halal eateries during dinner time to give space to those who are breaking fast. Your Muslim friends will greatly appreciate this, too. It’s all about courtesy, guys~

3. Want to bring a gift to an open house? Kuih raya or kerepek are great options!

Attending your first-ever Hari Raya open house? Fret not! Guests are actually not expected to bring any gifts at all. If you insist on bringing ‘buah tangan’, kuih raya and kerepek are always appreciated because these can be shared with other guests too. The biggest no-no would be any ‘haram’ gifts like alcohol or food containing pork.

P/S: Also, don’t be surprised if you’re invited to a Raya open house up to a month after Hari Raya. Raya kan sebulan!

4. Prepare a slew of answers up your sleeves to face those ‘makcik bawangs’

We’ve all met that ‘makcik bawang’ who loves to shoot spicy questions. But before you lose your cool, remember: these aunties are just trying to make small talk. The best way to deal with them is by mentally preparing some answers so you won’t be flustered in the moment. For example:

• “When are you getting married?” = “Still looking for my jodoh. Got any tips, aunty?”
• “Why are you so fat now?!” = “Need to eat a lot to work hard and earn money!”
• “When are you planning to have kids?” = “Maybe it’s not our rezeki yet. But pray for us, aunty!”

5. Make sure to whip out your best dress-to-impress look on Hari Raya

Hari Raya only comes by once a year and it’s a celebration that is anticipated by many. It’s no wonder that you would see Malaysians wearing their brand-new baju raya, putting on their finest jewellery and making sure they look more presentable compared to other days. Need that perfect Hari Raya OOTD shot, right?

In case you need help planning your baju raya, here are some trending colours of 2024 that you could consider:

• Brick orange – Pair any brick orange baju kurung with a nude-coloured turban-styled tudung and gold jewellery and you’re all set.

• Sapphire blue – Pair your baju kurung with a shawl of the same colour draped around your shoulder and pinned to your chest with a diamond brooch to achieve a truly regal look.

• Sage green – For pastel fans, your sage green outfit will pair well with a silver-coloured handbag (another trending colour!) and a fancy gemstone bracelet for a modest and sweet look.

Need more tips on how to style your baju raya and where to find the best jewellery pieces to pair them with? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Embrace timeless silhouettes to radiate feminine elegance 

As we welcome the joyful spirit of this Eid, Malaysians can also be dazzled by Diamond & Platinum’s mesmerising collaboration with one of Malaysians’ top designers – Nurita Harith! Named the Eid Elegance collection, Malaysians can choose from three jewellery series, namely La Gaia, D’liran and Fleur It.

The beautiful designs are inspired by femininity and they offer versatile styling with their convertible features. Just feast your eyes on some of the pieces below:

• La Gaia collection: The lustrous designs in this collection are inspired by the femininity of mother nature, visible in the unique silhouettes of these pieces where art and nature are beautifully combined.
• D’liran collection: Paying homage to the elegant curves and interconnected lines in Nurita’s designs, these pieces capture the graceful flow of movements in solid form.
• Fleur It collection: A series perfectly suited for a bride-to-be, these pieces embody the radiance of forever gems to give a touch of timelessness to the bride’s look.

See anything you love? You can view the whole collection and find out more about each piece here.

Apart from the stunning pieces above, Diamond & Platinum has more good news for you…

From March 15th to April 30th, 2024, enjoy Diamond & Platinum’s SPRING SALE with an instant rebate of up to RM1,800 on top of existing attractive discounts on these glimmering pieces to celebrate the month of Ramadan!

That’s right, this is your perfect chance to look for stunning jewellery pieces to enhance your Raya look! Additionally, patrons who indulge in purchases totalling RM6,000 will be rewarded with a prestigious gift with purchase (GWP) item – an exclusive Ceramic Bowl Set of four worth RM199.

With charming designs inspired by traditional motifs, the pieces from their Riang 999 Gold collection are not just timeless but they will help you exude elegance and flair this Raya. The jewellery pieces are designed using advanced technology to ensure they are durable for long-term wearability.

Capture the festive essence of Eid through shimmering moments

If you’re looking to add a touch of brilliance to your festivities, then be sure to drop by Diamond & Platinum where you can find the perfect jewellery piece to spark up your Raya look!

As an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, Diamond & Platinum has become Malaysians’ go-to jewellery provider, especially known for their signature GIA-certified natural diamonds with the most affordable rates in Malaysia (RM1,700 onwards for 0.3 carat).

Want to start shopping for your Raya jewellery? Then you’ll be thrilled to know that all Raya jewellery can now be purchased at all 12 Diamond & Platinum boutiques in Malaysia and Brunei, as well as online via their website here. Trust us, you’ll be spoilt for choice with their wide variety of designs and collections!

You could also check out their newly launched boutique at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya which offers a brand-new retail experience equipped with superior hospitality, cutting-edge design technology and exquisite luxury like no other. Visit this page to find a boutique near you.

For more information on Diamond & Platinum, visit their website here or you can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates.