IPOH: For over 30 years the family of Ariffin Yaacob from Kampung Pasir Gajah, Parit, has kept to the tradition of lighting oil lamps in the last days of Ramadan, from the 26th night to the night before Syawal.
The 26th night is often referred to as Malam Tujuh Likur. This year it falls on Oct 19.
This period is the last leg of the fasting month where it is believed that the Angel Gabriel (Malaikat Jibrail) visits the homes of pious Muslims.
It is a time when fervent prayers and intense reading of the Quran are encouraged. Little oil lamps or pelita are placed around the compound of houses to welcome the angel.
Ariffin, 76, or Pak Ariff as he is fondly called by the village folk, and his family are well known for their skills in making the special oil lamps for the occasion.
The lamps are usually made from bamboo and coconut shells, milk tins or small metal containers.
Pak Ariff's speciality is lamps made from bamboo. "I have been doing this for years. My children - I have three of them, all sons - are also into it," he told the New Straits Times in an interview at his home recently.
Ariffin said in the past, lighting oil lamps was a tradition in many Malay households, especially in Perak Tengah and Kuala Kangsar.
He said this was a necessity during Ramadan and Hari Raya because they were needed to light up the villages.
"In the days before the Japanese came, many traditional villages did not have streetlights and most areas were dark and far apart," he said.
"On special nights during Ramadan the lamps light up the homes and gave them life. The light also helped guide the villagers home after their terawih prayers at the mosque or surau."
Ariffin said the tradition was dying because people now use electricity.
"That is why I insist my family learn about this so that they can pass it down to their children and grandchildren."
Kampung Pasir Gajah village head Khairuddin Mohd Kadri, 44, said efforts were being made to ensure that the tradition continues.
"Every year, during Ramadan, we have an oil lamp competition."
Each house will prepare traditional oil lamps and winners will be announced the night before Hari Raya.

(published: 11/10/2006)