Malam Tujuh Likur

Lighting paths and village gates

Originally, oil lamps called pelita buluh lit unpaved rural tracks between homes and local mosques so worshippers could walk safely for late-night prayers. People set up hollow bamboo stakes with kerosene wicks along fences and pathways. Over time, these simple lights evolved into intricate public displays. In places like Ipoh and Kuala Kangsar, communities craft large wooden and bamboo scaffolds called pelita panjut. Wicks are set in linear rows to spell words or create silhouettes of famous mosques, such as the Malacca Straits Mosque or Ubudiah Mosque. In Sarawak, the bertuntung custom sees entire houses and decorative arches outlined with lights.

Shared meals and community work

Preparation for the night often brings neighbourhoods together through gotong-royong, a tradition of mutual help. In Kota, Negeri Sembilan, residents spend daylight hours cooking large batches of traditional foods such as dodol, lemang, rendang and bubur lambuk. Once the fast breaks at sunset, people sit cross-legged on the floor in communal spaces for a shared feast known as makan bersila, distributing leftover portions to neighbours. In Karimun Regency in Indonesia, households host festive gatherings called kenduri, serving traditional sweet cakes such as wajik, bangkit and bahulu while keeping their doors and windows open to visitors.

Spiritual focus and celebration

The timing corresponds with the search for Lailatul Qadar, the Night of Power, which Islamic scholarship associates with the odd-numbered nights late in the month. Beyond lighting pathways, worshippers dedicate their evenings to reciting the Quran, making personal supplications and performing Tahajjud night prayers. The illuminated streets also mark the approaching end of the fasting month, prompting believers to deepen their devotional efforts. In parts of Indonesia, such as Daik in Lingga Regency, young people construct decorative archways and play bamboo cannons on open fields to accompany the religious observances.

How Malam Tujuh Likur is kept

Villagers build bamboo structures and set out oil lamps along roadsides, porches and front gates starting on the twenty-first night of Ramadan. Each evening, more lamps are lit, reaching a peak on the twenty-seventh night. During the day, neighbours cooperate to cook festive foods in large pots for community distribution. At nightfall, families break fast together, attend the mosque, chant Quranic verses, recite Tahajjud prayers and keep their homes open and warmly illuminated.

When and where

The observance starts on the 21st night of Ramadan on the Islamic lunar calendar. Lamp displays expand night after night until the 27th night, known as Malam Tujuh Likur, when the illumination and communal gatherings reach their highest intensity.

The tradition is widely observed in rural and urban areas of Malaysia, including Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Sarawak, as well as Indonesian regions such as the Riau Islands, Riau and the Bangka Belitung Islands.

What Malam Tujuh Likur means

Lighting lamps represents guiding night travellers to the mosque while encouraging devotion in search of Lailatul Qadar. The glow signals that Ramadan is drawing to a close, serving as a reminder to pray, reflect and strengthen ties with neighbours through hospitality and shared work.

Days Malam Tujuh Likur is marked

Questions people ask about Malam Tujuh Likur

See also

Isra and Mi'rajAn Islamic observance marking the prophet Muhammad’s night journey and ascent through the heavens.ThaipusamA Tamil Hindu festival honoring Murugan through devotional burdens and pilgrimageMid-Sha'banAn Islamic night of prayer, remembrance, and seeking divine forgiveness.NyepiA Balinese Hindu day of silence, fasting and stillness marking the Saka new year

Good reading and sources

• Malam Tujuh Likur on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.