Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is a significant annual religious holiday observed by Muslims all around the world, including Singapore. It honours the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It also marks the end of the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
In Singapore, Hari Raya Haji is a national holiday. On this day, mosques in Singapore hold special prayers, and many Muslims attend these prayers in the early morning. Donations and food are often distributed to the poor and needy. Another essential ritual is the slaughtering of livestock, symbolising Prophet Abraham's sacrifice. The meat is then distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.
Hari Raya Haji in Singapore promotes generosity and remembrance, reinforcing the values of charity (Zakat) among the Muslim community. While the day is not as widely celebrated compared to Hari Raya Puasa, it still holds considerable significance. Hari Raya Haji provides an opportunity for Muslims in Singapore to come together in a spirit of fellowship to mark this holy occasion. It is a testament to Singapore's rich ethnic and religious diversity as it serves as a nationwide reminder of the commitment to help others and appreciate what they have.