What is Hari Raya Haji & Why Do Muslims Celebrate?

“Wait, it’s Hari Raya again?” Yes, but this time it’s Hari Raya Haji aka Eid-al-Adha! Here’s why Muslims celebrate this holiday

Hari Raya Haji, also known as Hari Raya Aidiladha or Eid-ul-Adha around the world, falls on Monday 17 June 2024 this year. It’s a public holiday for everyone in Singapore, but do you know anything about Hari Raya Haji?

When is Hari Raya Haji?

Hari Raya Haji (which means “great day of the haj” in Malay), also known as Aidiladha (also spelt Eid al-Adha or Eid Adha) or the Great Day of Sacrifice, is a Muslim festival that falls on the 10th day of Zulhijjah (the 12th month in the Islamic calendar). There is no fixed date on the Gregorian calendar for Hari Raya Haji. Like all Islamic festivals, the date for Hari Raya Haji is based on astronomical calculations that rely on the sighting of the new moon. Because of this Hari Raya Haji differs from year to year.

In Singapore, the Islamic Religious Council (known in Malay as Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura, or MUIS) is responsible for determining the date of the festival each year.

Is Hari Raya Haji a public holiday?

Yes, Hari Raya Haji is designated as a public holiday in Singapore.

What’s the difference between Hari Raya Haji and Hari Raya Puasa?

Hari Raya Puasa aka Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated on 10 April 2024 and signified the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, while Hari Raya Haji is celebrated to mark the Muslim pilgrimage (hajj), and is a day when Muslims usually perform the annual ‘korban’ ritual.

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What is the ‘korban’ ritual?

Hari Raya Haji commemorates the willingness of the Islamic prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail in an act of obedience to God. The korban is one of the main rituals, and involves the sacrificial slaughtering of livestock such as cows, sheep or goats. The sacrifice ritual is done quickly (the jugular vein at the animal’s throat is slit quickly to ensure the quickest death possible), then the meat is cleaned and distributed to the community, the poor and needy.

What do Muslims do on Hari Raya Haji?

Besides the korban ritual, Muslims usually congregate to perform Hari Raya Haji prayers in the morning at the mosque and then visit close family members just like they do during Hari Raya Puasa.

We use it as an opportunity to gather and have a hearty meal and strengthen family bonds.

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