Hari Raya Haji Description
Also known as Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In Singapore, the day begins with congregational prayers at mosques across the island, with Masjid Sultan and Masjid Al-Mukminin drawing large crowds. The ritual of korban (sacrificial slaughter of livestock — typically sheep or goats) is centrally coordinated, with mosques organizing the sacrifice and distributing meat to families and the needy both within Singapore and internationally. The day carries profound significance as it coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca — many Singaporean Muslims follow the rites via live broadcasts, and returning pilgrims (hajis/hajahs) are honored with special celebrations. Government offices, banks, and most businesses close. Families gather for festive meals featuring dishes from the sacrificed meat, and the spirit of sharing — sharing meat with neighbors of all religions — exemplifies the multicultural harmony that Singapore's holiday system is designed to foster.
