The Ramadan is over and its time to celebrate the Eid for Muslims the world over. In Malaysia, most businesses will be closed on Friday and many on Monday as the feasting and annual pilgrimage back home gets under way. It will also be a holiday in Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as 52 Muslim countries worldwide.

For Muslims this is the big "buka puasa" (breaking of the fast) of the year following the holy month of Ramadan, where thoughts turn to the spiritual, and sacrifice of worldly pleasures turns the focus inward.

The hotels are booked out for breaking of the fast spreads in Kuala Lumpur and throughout Malaysia. But the real feel for Hari Raya Adilfitri is in the rural heartlands of the Malay, where simple gatherings of family and friends share kindness and gifts (including those little green packets!) If you are visiting Malaysia, Indonesia or the Philippines at this time, you will no doubt be invited to join in some of the festivities by your business partners of friends. It will be an experience you wont forget in a hurry.

To all Muslim friends of the APMF and Ezine, we wish you a safe Balik Kampung and Selamat Hari Raya Adilfitri.