SHAH ALAM, March 20 — Amid the hustle of Generation Z (Gen Z) pursuing careers and adapting to modern life, time with family is increasingly becoming a rare luxury.
As such, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the most eagerly awaited moment, when young people have the opportunity to return to their families, reunite, and revive the warmth of familial bonds that are seldom experienced throughout the year.
For Ajmal Haziq, 23, Aidilfitri holds a special meaning after a month of fasting.
“After fasting for a month, this is the time to gather together with the whole family. Even before Raya, we rarely meet, so Raya helps to strengthen ties with relatives,” he told Media Selangor.
According to Nur Qasdeena Sharal Izam, 22, who has recently started working, the demands of daily routines have limited time with family.
“Life after starting work is different. We rarely get to spend time with family because of our main job, so Aidilfitri becomes the opportunity for us to make use of whatever time we have with them,” said the medical centre employee.
Qasdeena admitted that her understanding of Aidilfitri has also evolved with age and life experience.
“When I was younger, I thought Aidilfitri was just about receiving duit raya, but now that I am an adult and working, I am the one giving duit raya.
“Now, as long as we can spend time with family, we appreciate those moments,” she said, adding that she will be returning to Kedah for the celebrations this year.
Echoing Qasdeena's sentiments, Nurzarra Zarelya, 14, described Aidilfitri as an opportunity to create beautiful memories with family and loved ones.
“Aidilfitri is very meaningful to me because it brings families closer together and everyone gathers to create memories,” she said.
Meanwhile, Iman Uwais Al-Qarni, 17, believes that some young people still do not fully understand the true meaning of Aidilfitri, despite having broad access to digital devices and platforms.
He added that technological advancement does not necessarily make younger generations better understand the true values of a celebration without genuine appreciation.
“The current generation may have many devices and access to information, but there are still those who do not fully understand the true meaning of Aidilfitri,” Iman said.
