The holy day of Hari Raya Haji is drawing near. Muslims all over the world are excited and feeling blessed while looking forward to celebrating it.
Hari Raya Haji or Eid-al-Adha is one of the two major festivals of Islam, the other being Hari Raya Puasa or Eid-al-Fitr. It is also called the Festival of Sacrifice, in remembrance of prophet Ibrahim’s trust in God and his willingness to sacrifice even his son to fulfil his duty to God.
The day also marks the end of Hajj, the annual holy pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca. Every year millions flock to the Holy city of Mecca to submit to God and perform the ceremonies of Hajj. All Muslims who are financially and physically able are required to do the Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
Date of Hari Raya Haji
According to the Islamic Hijri calendar, Hari Raya Haji is on the 10th day of the Dhul Hijjah, the last month in the Hijri calendar. Because of the differences between the Hijri and the Gregorian calendar, the day of Hari Raya Haji varies every year in the official calendars. This year it falls on the 20th of July. It is a public holiday in Singapore.
The story behind it
Hari Raya Haji commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail following God’s command. It is the day for Muslims to remember the sacrifice of Ibrahim and his faith and obedience towards God.
God appeared in his dream and asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail to prove his obedience. At first, Ibrahim disregarded it as he thought it was the devil playing tricks on him. But, when the dream repeated, Ibrahim realized that it was from God himself. Even though he was heartbroken, he was determined to carry out God’s command. He took his son to Mount Arafat and got everything ready for the sacrifice. Ismail, seeing his father looking distraught, asked him what was upsetting him. Ibrahim hesitantly told him everything. Ismail, being the obedient son, asked his father to fulfil his duty.
Ibrahim was about to sacrifice him when the Angel Jibreel appeared and told him that it was all a test from God, and Ibrahim had passed it. God was pleased with Ibrahim’s obedience towards him. The angel then provided an animal to sacrifice in Ismail’s place.
All over the world, Muslims celebrate this day to remember Ibrahim and his obedience towards God. It is a day for every Muslim to remind themselves to submit to God’s will.
Rituals and festivities
The 10th day marks the end of Hajj, but the rituals and festivities of Hari Raya Haji last four days. Muslims usually fast on the eve of Hari Raya Haji, even though it is not compulsory like in Ramadan.
On the day of the festival, Muslims wear the finest clothes they can and go to mosques. They attend special prayers and listen to sermons. The festivities can last till the 12th day. This year, the Eid-Al-Adha Salah will be conducted with limited numbers and in sessions. Try to check at your nearest mosque to know about the booking.
The most important ritual associated with the day is the Qurban/Korban or Udhiyah(Arabic). It means sacrifice. To commemorate God sparing Ismail and sacrificing an animal instead, Muslims slaughter an animal and distribute its meat. The meat is divided into three parts and distributed; one-third for the person who bought the animal, one-third for relatives, friends, and neighbours, and the final portion for the poor and needy. The animal chosen for slaughter has to fulfil some criteria like certain age and quality. The ceremony is often collectively conducted by the mosques in the neighbourhood. It usually takes place after the morning prayers on the day, but it can take place until sunset on the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah.
Every year in Singapore, the livestock for Korban comes from Australia. The ritual is then carried out in Korban centres here. But, since last year, the system has changed. This year, like in 2020, it will be performed in Australia, and the meat will be chilled and brought to Singapore. It is for safety reasons amid the pandemic. This year a total of 51 mosques offered booking services, and people were allowed to book slots on a first-come basis.
After the Korban, people usually gather in their homes to have feasts, spend time with family and friends, and exchange gifts. This year, due to Covid-19, it is slightly harder to visit your friends and family, but that does not mean that you cannot wish them well! If you can’t visit them in person, try to organize a virtual meeting with them. After all, it is sharing that can make a special occasion more joyous.
The day is considered holy, and many people spend the day in introspection and worshipping God. It serves as a reminder of how God will reward your submission and obedience towards him. So, try to work on your faith and perform good deeds on the day instead of wasting it. Donate to the poor and needy and take care of those around you. Keep in mind what the day stands for.
We at 88tuition wish all a Happy Hari Raya Haji! 🙂
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