Hari Raya Haji is celebrated on the tenth day of the final month of the Muslim calendar and will be observed this year from June 28 to July 2. It is a Muslim holy day commemorating the conclusion of the hajj and the prophet Ibrahim’s narrative. It commemorates and symbolises the spirit of loyalty to Allah through the slaughtering of an animal for communal and family consumption. The ritual of slaughtering the animal is intended to commemorate the story of Ibrahim, in which Allah commanded him to slay his son Ismail as a test of his faith and loyalty.
The background of Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji is based on the story of ‘Akedah’ in the “Quran.” It recounts the numerous trials and afflictions endured by the prophet Ibrahim. The most difficult assignment was obeying Allah’s command to murder his son Ismail. In the face of this impossible assignment, Ibrahim desired to defy his God. However, his inherent desire to please Allah led him to carry out the orders. The fact that he was willing to sacrifice his cherished son exemplified Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice what he valued most, and as a result, both Ibrahim and Ismail were spared and honoured.
Years ago, many adherents of the Islamic faith believed that Ibrahim and his son were sent by Allah to construct the Kaaba, the square stone structure that functions as the centre of Mecca. Today, Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Haji, which commemorates the conclusion of the hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, as well as Ibrahim’s devotion and his son’s survival. It is a reminder of Allah’s mercy and the bountiful bounties he bestows on those who are devoted to doing good.
Hari Raya Haji is traditionally observed with a ritual involving the sacrifice of a goat, sheep, or camel. The meat is distributed throughout the community to sustain the needy, one’s friends and neighbours, as well as one’s own family, emphasising the importance of sharing. Having the same morals and commitment to the greater good as the prophet Ibrahim.
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HARI RAYA HAJI DEVELOPMENTS
Distribute flesh to your neighbourhood.
In accordance with tradition, an animal must be sacrificed to commemorate Allah’s commands to Ibrahim. Once the meat is prepared, involve the entire family in distributing it to the community in order to feed the needy and your neighbours.
Dress in your best attire
For the celebrations, men, women, and children of all ages should don their finest attire. This demonstrates the families’ reverence for their faith and dedication to observing the sacred day.
Make sweet delights
Not everything is about the flesh. Other foods, such as unique sweets and dessert delights such as ma’amoul, are added to the festivities. Then, individuals congregate with family and friends to eat and celebrate.
5 Inspiring Prophetic Tales from Islam
He was commanded to pursue his own education and, in turn, enrich the minds of his people.
He was sent to Nineveh to preach against idols, where he encountered resistance, which he surmounted.
After years of loss, illness, and adversity, Allah granted him with sustenance.
Before destroying an ant’s colony, he realised that all living things are equal, regardless of size or form.
While receiving revelation, regardless of his education or enlightenment, he remains meek.
HARI RAYA HAJI DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | June 28 | Tuesday |
2023 | June 28 | Wednesday |
2024 | June 16 | Sunday |
2025 | June 6 | Friday |
2026 | May 26 | Tuesday |