IT is about being conscious of who you are and discovering the relationship between the sacred and profane.
And during the month of Ramadan, the focus is on the soul and the training of the soul toward achieving a better spirituality.
It is during the holy month that Muslims struggle to overcome vices that hinder spiritual development. And fasting is part of the ritual.
"It is not just about foregoing food, drink and sex but all about developing spiritual training," says Dr Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas, director general at the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim).
Which is why Muslims celebrating Hari Raya should always remember the less fortunate and strive towards developing spiritual qualities.
Men and women have dual natures, a spiritual as well as animal or bestial side, says Syed Ali.
The spiritual nature is the one that defeats the bestial characteristics such as jealousy, pride, anger and greed.
"It is a struggle to suppress and control this. And it is a noble jihad during the fasting month to work towards achieving this.
While Malaysia has been consistent in the way it approaches the festivities, Syed Ali has a warning:
"We have to make sure we don't get commercial because Hari Raya has a tremendous spiritual significance and we must not lose sight of it."
The seeking of forgiveness (Maaf, Zahir dan Batin) is another highlight of Hari Raya and this is sometimes done ever so casually.
"We must not say Maaf, Zahir dan Batin like a slogan. We must mean it sincerely.
"The fasting month is a trying time (where one can easily lose one's temper, and lack patience, and the like), so it makes sense to ask for forgiveness.
"And when we ask for forgiveness during the fasting month, we must make sure it is sincere."
In these times of prosperity, there is tendency for Muslims to go overboard in celebrating Hari Raya.
"Overindulgence in festivities and excessive eating and drinking should be avoided," says Syed Ali.

(published: 22/10/2006)