Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic celebrations. It honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah's command. It coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, making it deeply spiritual and symbolic for Muslims worldwide, including in Malaysia.

Table of Contents

1. When is Hari Raya Haji?
2. The History of Hari Raya Haji
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about Qurban

When is Hari Raya Haji?

Hari Raya Haji is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date varies each year based on the sighting of the moon.

The following is the list of Hari Raya Haji from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Hari Raya Haji

The History of Hari Raya Haji is deeply rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his unwavering faith in Allah. This act of obedience and devotion is a cornerstone of Islamic teachings and serves as the basis for this sacred event.

Prophet Ibrahim received a command from Allah in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael). Despite the immense personal sacrifice, Ibrahim was prepared to obey Allah's command, demonstrating his complete submission to God's will. As Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram.

The first Hari Raya Haji was celebrated during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after the commandment of Qurban was revealed. The Prophet himself participated in the sacrificial rituals and encouraged the practice among his followers.

As Islam spread across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, the observance of Hari Raya Haji became a unifying practice for Muslims worldwide.

Islam reached the Malay Peninsula around the 12th century, brought by Arab, Indian, and Persian traders. As the Malay Sultanates adopted Islam, Islamic practices, including Hari Raya Haji, became integral to local culture and governance.

During British rule, Hari Raya Haji was observed primarily as a religious occasion within the Muslim community. After Malaysia's independence in 1957, Hari Raya Haji was officially declared a public holiday, reflecting the importance of Islam as the country's official religion.

Over time, Hari Raya Haji evolved into a day of both religious observance and communal celebration, emphasizing faith, family, and charity.

What Do People Do on This Day?

Muslims gather at mosques or open prayer grounds in the morning for congregational Eid prayers. The prayers are followed by a khutbah (sermon), which emphasizes the story of Prophet Ibrahim and the significance of sacrifice and devotion.

Those who can afford it perform the ritual of Qurban, which involves sacrificing livestock such as cows, goats or sheep. This act symbolizes the obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah.

Hari Raya Haji is a time for Muslims to renew their faith and reflect on their commitment to Allah. The day emphasizes obedience to God, gratitude for His blessings, and the importance of sacrifice in both spiritual and worldly contexts.

Charity is a central aspect of Hari Raya Haji, with many Muslims donating food, money or other essentials to those in need.

Families and friends gather to enjoy traditional meals and other festive dishes. The meals are often shared with neighbors and the less fortunate.

Hari Raya Haji coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Those who are not performing Hajj often reflect on its significance and pray for the pilgrims.

Homes and mosques are adorned with simple yet meaningful decorations, and Muslims dress in their finest traditional attire for the day's prayers and gatherings.

As Hari Raya Haji is a public holiday in Malaysia, families use the time to relax and reconnect with loved ones.

More about Qurban

Qurban, also known as Udhiya, refers to the act of ritual animal sacrifice performed by Muslims during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Haji). The word "Qurban" is derived from the Arabic root q-r-b, meaning to come close or to seek closeness to Allah.

Qurban honors the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who demonstrated complete submission to Allah by preparing to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael). Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, symbolizing that Allah values devotion and obedience over material offerings.

Common animals for Qurban include goats, sheep, cows, and camels, and the animal must meet specific Islamic requirements: a healthy animal without defects, and a certain age (Goats and sheep at least 1 year, cows at least 2 years, and camels at least 5 years).

The meat is divided into three parts: one-third for the person performing the Qurban and their family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy.

In Malaysia, Qurban is often organized by mosques, community centers, or Islamic organizations. Many Malaysians contribute to Qurban schemes, where sacrifices are arranged locally or in other countries to support communities in need.