A Singaporean content creator is sparking meaningful conversations online after speaking up about identity, culture, and what it truly means to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Heema Izzati, known on Instagram as @heemaizzati, recently found herself at the centre of criticism after sharing a vlog of her family preparing ketupat ahead of the festive celebration. What was meant to be a wholesome glimpse into her Hari Raya preparations quickly turned into a debate, as some netizens took issue with the fact that she did not speak Malay in the video.
Some comments went further, questioning whether she was "Malay enough" or even "Muslim enough" remarks that shifted the focus away from her family moment and onto her identity.
Rather than staying silent, Heema chose to address the criticism head-on. In a thoughtful response, she highlighted that Hari Raya is not defined by the language one speaks, but by the spirit of the celebration itself. Observed by Muslims around the world, the festival, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is celebrated across diverse cultures, each with its own languages, customs, and traditions.
From Southeast Asia to the Middle East and beyond, no two celebrations look exactly the same, and that, she emphasised, is what makes it meaningful.
She also reminded viewers that if there is anything that goes against the essence of Hari Raya and Islam, it is not the choice of language in a video, but the act of spreading negativity, judging others, and tearing people down. These behaviours, she pointed out, contradict the values of compassion, unity, and kindness that the festive season is meant to uphold.
At the same time, Heema acknowledged a concern raised by some the fear of cultural dilution or loss. She recognised that these worries are valid, especially in an increasingly globalised world. However, she offered a different perspective: sharing traditions in new ways and opening them up to wider audiences does not erase culture, but allows it to grow, evolve, and remain relevant across generations.
For Heema, celebrating Hari Raya is deeply personal. It is about family, community, and honouring her roots in a way that feels authentic to her. And perhaps, her message serves as a gentle reminder that instead of questioning who belongs, society should reflect on why it is so quick to judge in the first place.
In a world that is becoming more interconnected by the day, her story highlights an important truth, culture is not a fixed mould, but a living, evolving expression of identity. And there is room for everyone to celebrate it in their own way.
