Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most significant holidays in Malaysia. It is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The holiday is held in the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Hari Raya Haji is considered the 'Feast of Sacrifice' and commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
In Malaysia, Hari Raya Haji is a public holiday and is recognized in all states, including JH,KD,KN,ML,NS,PG,PH,PL,PR,SB,SG,SW. The holiday is celebrated with prayer, feasts, and symbolic acts of sacrifice. Many Muslims in Malaysia, as a sign of their devotion, symbolically replicate the sacrifice of Abraham by slaughtering livestock such as sheep, cows, or goats. The meat from these sacrifices is then shared among family, friends, and the poor in the community.
While the holiday is religious in nature, it is also a time for communal celebration and rejoicing. Many Malaysians take this time to don traditional attire, visit family and friends, and indulge in festive meals. It is also common for homes to be open to visitors during this time, allowing for the communal sharing of food and festivities. Despite the religious significance of Hari Raya Haji, the holiday also serves as a demonstration of Malaysia's rich cultural heritage and diversity, with its celebrations varying across different states and ethnic groups.