The Khatam al-Quran marks the completion of reading of the entire Quran, the holy book of Islam. This ceremony often precedes circumcision, depending on whether the boy has completed his course in the reading of the holy book (mengaji). It is usually held after the procession for the circumcision ceremony, before the actual circumcision takes place.

However, the Khatam al-Quran can be celebrated as an altogether separate ceremony, in which the boy is required to read verses from the 30th and final section of the Holy Quran before his parents, his Quran teacher and invited guests.

Once the boy completes his reading, he kisses the hands of his Quran teacher, his parents, and each of the guests in that order. The boy then descends from the dais (pelamin) where he was seated while reading the Quran, to join the prepared feast.

Following the feast, each guest is presented with a bunga telor, a boiled egg attached to a stick, decorated with floral designs.