Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is a significant Islamic holiday observed by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Judeo-Christian tradition) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God’s command.
In the Islamic narrative, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead. The festival falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it lasts for four days. It is considered one of the holiest days in Islam, along with Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
One of the central rituals of Hari Raya Haji is the qurbani, or sacrifice, where Muslims slaughter livestock, typically sheep, goats, cows, or camels, following the example of Ibrahim. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts: one-third is given to the poor and needy, one-third is shared with relatives and friends, and the remaining third is retained by the family for their own consumption.
The act of qurbani symbolizes obedience, submission, and gratitude to God, as well as compassion and solidarity with those less fortunate. It serves as a reminder of the importance of sacrifice and charity in Islam, emphasizing the values of empathy, generosity, and social justice.
In addition to the qurbani, Hari Raya Haji is marked by prayers, gatherings with family and friends, and feasting on special dishes prepared for the occasion. It is a time for reflection, spiritual renewal, and community bonding, as Muslims come together to celebrate their faith and share blessings with others.
Qurban (Wikimedia)
Do you want to know more about Hari Raya Haji? Let’s take a look at these 15 interesting facts about Hari Raya Haji to know more about it.
- Significance: Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the two most important festivals in Islam, alongside Eid al-Fitr.
- Date: It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
- Commemoration: The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God’s command.
- Divine Intervention: According to Islamic tradition, as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.
- Sacrificial Ritual: One of the central rituals of Hari Raya Haji is the qurbani, where Muslims slaughter livestock such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels.
- Distribution of Meat: The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the poor and needy, one-third is shared with relatives and friends, and the remaining third is retained by the family.
- Symbolism: Qurbani symbolizes obedience, submission, and gratitude to God, as well as compassion and solidarity with those less fortunate.
- Global Observance: Hari Raya Haji is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, with variations in traditions and customs based on cultural and regional differences.
- Pilgrimage: For Muslims who can afford it and are physically able, Hari Raya Haji coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
- Eid Prayers: Like Eid al-Fitr, Hari Raya Haji begins with special prayers, known as Salat al-Eid, held in mosques or outdoor prayer grounds.
- Community Gathering: It is a time for Muslims to come together with family and friends, share meals, exchange greetings, and strengthen bonds of kinship and community.
- Charity: In addition to the qurbani, Muslims are encouraged to perform acts of charity and kindness during Hari Raya Haji, reflecting the spirit of generosity and compassion.
- Feasting: Special dishes are prepared for the occasion, including traditional favorites like biryani, kebabs, and various meat-based dishes.
- Cultural Traditions: Hari Raya Haji is accompanied by cultural traditions such as wearing new clothes, visiting relatives, and giving gifts to loved ones.
- Spiritual Reflection: It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the significance of sacrifice, obedience, and faith in their lives, and to renew their commitment to their religious beliefs and practices.
Hari Raya Haji, a festival deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and heritage, holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. As believers commemorate the obedience and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, the occasion serves as a powerful reminder of the values of faith, submission to the Divine will, and compassion towards others. Through rituals such as the qurbani and acts of charity, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to the principles of sacrifice, generosity, and social justice. Hari Raya Haji also fosters a sense of community, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors to share in the joyous festivities and strengthen bonds of kinship and brotherhood.
As Muslims reflect on the spiritual lessons of the festival, they are reminded of the importance of humility, gratitude, and empathy in their lives, striving to embody these virtues throughout the year. Ultimately, Hari Raya Haji embodies the timeless values of Islam and serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for believers seeking to deepen their connection to God and humanity.
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