As many Singaporeans would know, the Malay-Muslim community here in Singapore has two holidays, Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji. This year, Hari Raya Haji or Hari Raya Aidiladha falls on July 20th this year.
Its Significance
Both of these celebrations are similar yet different. Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a celebrated after Ramadan (fasting month). However, Hari Raya Haji is celebrated to mark the end of Haj (pilgrimage). The festival falls on the 10th day of Zulhijjah (12th month in the Islamic calendar).
Apart from marking the end of Haj, the festival also commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s faith towards God and sacrifice his son Ismail.
Similar Yet Different
Celebrations focus more on religious activities such as prayers in the mosque, conducting korban (sacrifice). On the eve of Hari Raya Haji, Muslims would fast (optional). The following morning, they will head to the mosque to perform prayers and korban. Local mosques will carry out korban with imported livestock. One-third of the meat will be distributed to the less-fortunate and the rest will be kept by the buyer, to be share with relatives, family and friends.
What makes Hari Raya Haji almost similar to Hari Raya Puasa is that our Muslim friends will make visits to the homes of relatives but only for that one day.
How My Family Celebrates It
Similar to Hari Raya Puasa, my family will head to my grandparents’ house to pay visits. We will bond over food, strengthening family ties. Sometimes, all other relatives would gather at my grandparents’ house, and we would all catch up since we last met during Hari Raya Puasa.
I really believe that such festivals and celebrations allow family members to get together and reminisce on wonderful memories. Having such as huge family also means that we get to meet those who live further away. I get to meet my relatives from Malaysia as well.
Though Hari Raya Haji may not be as long as Hari Raya Puasa, it still remains one of the most important festivals and celebrations in the Islamic calendar. This festival will always remain a huge part of the hearts of Muslims all over the world.
