HARI RAYA HAJI

Come the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims will travel from afar to perform the pilgrimage in the beautiful city of Mecca , Saudi Arabia . Why the determination by Muslims to travel there? This is the birth place of Islam.

 

The fifth of the Five Pillars of Islam, the sacred pilgrimage is made to the Ka'aba or the House of God, that Muslims believe was built by Prophet Abraham.

 

It is during this holy month, that Muslims all over the world also commemorate Prophet Abraham's sacrifice of his son Ismail to Allah. Also mentioned in the Christian Bible, God was pleased with Abraham's faith and supplied a ram just on time to be sacrificed in place of his son. (Interestingly, he is referred to as Isaac rather than Ismail in the Bible). To remember his readiness to sacrifice, Muslims partake in a ritual practice of korban or sacrifice of animals. This time of sacrifice is referred to as Hari Raya Haji or Hari Raya Aidiladha - The Festival of Sacrifice.

he sacrifice can be performed after Aidiladha prayers which take place on the morning of the first day of Hari Raya Haji , until before sunset of the fourth day at designated mosques. After the sacrifice, the meat of the animals (sheep) is divided into three portions - one portion for the less fortunate, one for friends and the last for family.

 

If you wish to learn more about Islam practices, and Malay culture, why not join us every Thursday, 9.30am to 12.00noon for the award winning Sultans of Spice™ . This Kampong Glam Walk won the Singapore Tourism Awards 2004 for Best Sightseeing/Leisure/Educational Programme. Find out why.

 

Source:
Aidiladha - Understanding the Sacrifice; Malay Heritage Centre, Central Trust, Central Singapore CDC
Korban - An Act of Faith, A Symbol of Gratitude; Singapore Mosques Korban Committee
Gateway to Malay Culture; Asiapac Editorial; © 2003 ASIAPAC BOOKS, SINGAPORE
Islam, Azra Kidwai, Silverdale Books; © Roli Books Pvt. Ltd., 1998