Anna Belle Francis, a prominent Singaporean restaurant co-owner, content creator, and former host-actress, has shared how her Hari Raya celebrations have evolved over the years. Now a Muslim for 26 years, she describes how food, family, and community remain central to the observance of Ramadan and Hari Raya.
Francis, who first celebrated Hari Raya in 2000, a year after she converted to Islam and married rapper-actor Sheikh Haikel, reflects on how her understanding of the holiday has deepened.
“Before marrying Haikel and learning more about Islam, I thought Hari Raya was just an occasion. I didn’t think too much about its significance or the importance of Ramadan,” Francis said in an interview with CNA Women.
However, over the years, her perspective has shifted. “Now, Hari Raya is incredibly special—it’s a beautiful time for family, community, and wonderful food,” she shared. “It’s also a moment to celebrate and bid farewell to the blessed month of Ramadan.”
For Francis, Ramadan used to be about simply managing the fast, but now it holds much more significance. “It’s a time when I can focus on being a stronger and better Muslim for my family and community,” she explained.
Now, after more than two decades of embracing Islam, Francis finds that Hari Raya and Ramadan are intertwined, with each enhancing the meaning of the other. The traditions, centered around food, family, and giving back to the community, continue to be the heart of her celebration.
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