Hari Raya Haji in Singapore

Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. In Singapore, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, Hari Raya Haji is a public holiday observed with respect and solemnity by the Muslim community.

History and Significance

The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God's command. However, before he could carry out the act, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. This act of faith is honored by Muslims who perform Qurbani, which means sacrifice. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims travel to Mecca for Hajj - one of Islam's Five Pillars - culminating in Eid al-Adha.

Traditions

In Singapore, Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Haji with various religious and communal activities:

• Prayers: The day starts with special morning prayers at mosques across the island.
• Sacrifice: While animal sacrifices are part of traditional observance, in Singapore, due to space constraints and regulations, animals are not typically slaughtered locally. Instead, many Muslims make arrangements for the ritual to be carried out in other countries through organized programs. The meat from these sacrifices is then distributed among family members and donated to those in need.
• Charity: Giving to charity (Zakat) is another significant aspect of Hari Raya Haji as it reflects the spirit of sharing and caring within the community.
• Gathering: Families often gather for a meal together after morning prayers and charitable activities.

What People Do

On Hari Raya Haji:

• Muslims dress in their finest attire as a mark of respect for this holy day.
• Visiting loved ones' homes is common practice to foster family ties.
• Greetings like "Selamat Hari Raya Haji" are exchanged among friends and families.
• Some may also visit cemeteries to pay respects to deceased relatives.

Despite being a predominantly Muslim festival, non-Muslims in Singapore are also aware and respectful of its significance due to national efforts towards interfaith understanding and social harmony.