7 differences between Hari Raya Haji and Hari Raya Puasa
It’s the eve of Hari Raya Haji (Great Day of the Haj) and many in Singapore’s Muslim community are busy getting ready for Islam’s second biggest festival, also known as Hari Raya Korban (Great Day for Sacrifice).
Not to be mistaken for Hari Raya Puasa, which took place earlier on 17 July, Hari Raya Haji, which is also called Aidiladha, happens 70 days after the holy fasting month of Ramadan, and is celebrated for up to four days. Meanwhile for Hari Raya Puasa, it is celebrated for 30 days at the end of Ramadan, and on the first day of the subsequent month of Syawal.
Muslims begin celebrations for both festivals by congregating at mosques to give prayers and listen to sermons.
Here are more differences you should know:
| Hari Raya Haji | Hari Raya Puasa |
1 | Marks the end of the Hajj, which means pilgrimage. Every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, at least once in his or her life. | Marks the end of fasting month. Every able-bodied Muslim is required to fast from dawn to dusk, every day throughout the holy fasting month of Ramadan. |
2 | Celebration takes up to four days. | Celebration takes up to 30 days. |
3 | Happens 70 days after Ramadan. | Takes place a day after Ramadan. |
4 | Muslims fast for one day on the eve of Hari Raya Haji (not compulsory). | Muslims fast each day for 30 days before celebration (compulsory). |
5 | Happens on the 10th day of Islamic month Dhul-Hijja. | Happens on the first day of Islamic month of Syawal. |
| Festival rituals |
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6 | After prayers, livestock such as sheep, goats and cows will be sacrificed. The sacrifice takes place to commemorate the Islamic prophet Ibrahim who sacrificed his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. It is said that the father and son were guided by God to build the square stone building (Kaaba) in Mecca, which is in the direction that Muslims around the world pray towards. | After prayers, Muslims proceed with feasting and visiting relatives and friends. In Singapore, this is also the time Muslims don new traditional costumes such as the Baju Kurung for females, and the Baju Melayu for males. |
7 | The meat from sacrificed livestock will usually be donated to the poor or needy. | On this day, Malay/Muslims in Singapore feast on traditional Malay festival foods such as sambal goreng, rendang and lontong. |
