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Families enjoy Idul Fitri in Singapore
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Suryani Khamis (standing) and her family spanning four generations having a merry time at the flat of her grandparents -Yasin Karim, 90, and Siti Jibah, 84 (both seated) - on Tuesday. (The Straits Times/Ong Wee Jin)
It is a crowded and somewhat noisy affair which has been their annual family tradition for about two decades.
It was no different last night as Suryani Khamis, 41, and her family spanning four generations got together to mark the end of the fasting month and the eve of Idul Fitri.
Around 30 members of her family gathered at her grandparents' three-room flat in Yishun Street 71.
After reciting prayers, they caught up with one another over a potluck meal.
"This is a time for us to get together as a family and it means a lot to us," said Suryani, a part- time account and administrative assistant. "But most times, we have to raise our voices to be heard."
The patriarch is 90-year-old Yasin Karim, who lives with his 84-year-old wife, Siti Jibah. They have seven children.
Yasin said it was heartwarming to have his family with him.
In his Idul Fitri message on Tuesday, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim wished the community Selamat Hari Raya, and urged them to continue striving towards "a society full of compassion and hope".
He added that the community plays an important role in building a Singapore society that is cohesive, caring and vibrant, and that it is "our responsibility to continue writing this story - to build an even better and more endearing home for future generations to come".
