Hari Raya Haji commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s complete faith and trust in Allah.
This is recounted in the story of Allah commanding Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail, a commandment that Ibrahim responded to with obedience. Allah stopped him and provided him with a sheep to substitute as a sacrifice, instead of his son.
Why not brush up on your knowledge of this festival that we are celebrating today with these five key points?
Each (normal) year, millions of worshippers flock to Islam’s most sacred mosque, Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām. By performing the Hajj, devotees show their commitment to Allah. Muslims who are physically and financially able to are required to go on the pilgrimage at least once in their lives. The Hajj involves various rituals, including circling the Ka’abah (a building in the middle of the mosque) seven times. The Ka’abah, which is considered the most sacred site in Islam, is also where Muslims face for prayer wherever they are in the world. It’s not a cheap trip – some spend thousands of dollars to make the pilgrimage.
The dates for Islamic festivals are based on astronomical calculations hence they differ every year. Because the Islamic calendar (a lunar one) is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Islamic festivals occur around 10 to 11 days earlier every year. Back in 2006, Hari Raya Haji was celebrated twice – 10 January and 31 December!
Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, while Hari Raya Haji marks the end of the Hajj. Since Hari Raya Haji has a more spiritual focus, it doesn’t have the same concentration on feasting as a main part of the celebrations like Hari Raya Puasa. But you can still expect to see tables lined with traditional food in Muslim homes.
He obeyed God’s command to sacrifice his son Ismail. As Ibrahim was about to kill his son on the altar, God intervened and provided a sheep for the sacrifice instead. Since then Muslims around the world would sacrifice livestock such as sheep, lambs and goats through a ritual known as the korban. It involves facing the animal in the direction of the Ka’abah and saying a prayer. Its throat is slit to ensure a quick death and then the meat is distributed to worshippers and the needy.
Although it isn’t compulsory, Muslims may fast on the eve of Hari Raya Haji. On the morning of the festival, Muslims will head to the mosque for sermons and prayers. After this, the korban is carried out, then Muslims visit family and friends to share food and gifts.
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