Find out what Hari Raya Haji is all about and where to have fun on the upcoming public holiday!
Selamat Hari Raya Haji! The public holiday‘s here (it falls on Sunday, 10 July this year) and with it comes an extra day of fun to have around Singapore with the kiddos. Hurrah! We’ve been taking a look at what this Islamic festival means, where we can join in the celebrations (regardless of our own religion), and what’s on for families.
All about Hari Raya Haji in Singapore
What is Hari Raya Haji?
The day falls on the 10th day of Zulhijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the Hajj, a holy pilgrimage every Muslim is encouraged to make at least once in their lives (pictured up top). During the pilgrimage, Muslims have to perform several rituals and actions in Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. It is Saudi Arabia’s third most populated city, after Riyadh and Jeddah.
The significance behind Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji (which means “great day of the haj” in Malay), also known as Eid al-Adha, is an important festival where Muslims reflect on the story of God commanding Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Thankfully, no small children came to harm as God intervened by allowing Ibrahim to sacrifice a sheep instead. Today the sacrificial ritual, known as Korban, is an important part of the festival and represents Prophet Ibrahim’s faith and trust in God. Typically, mosques around Singapore (pre-Covid) take part in the ritual where sheep or goats will be sacrificed during Korban. The animal is then cleaned and the meat is carved up and distributed. Vegetarians should probably look away…
Just so you know, the animals are definitely not being tortured! In fact, their comfort and welfare are of utmost importance during the whole process. Islam’s slaughtering method ensures a quick and humane death to the animal.
Lessons to learn from Hari Raya Haji
Sacrifice is a big theme in most Muslim celebrations and Hari Raya Haji highlights the importance of faith in God. It’s also a reminder that there are those around us that might need our help. This makes the act of donating and distributing the sacrificed meat to those who need it more than us an honourable one. As Hari Raya Aidiladha is more about spiritual needs than physical ones, the huge feasts and merrymaking of Hari Raya Aidilfitri are not usually repeated. The food tables will still be laden, though! Traditional foods such as ketupat, rendang, satay, and lontong are part of the delicious menu during this celebration. Mmm!
What to do during Hari Raya Haji in Singapore
1. Visit Singapore’s most famous Mosque
To really get a feel for the religion and culture, Sultan Mosque – also known as Masjid Sultan – in historic Kampong Glam makes a great place to visit with the kids. The mosque is currently closed to visitors except for prayers, but you can still enjoy its gorgeous architecture outside! Built in 1824 for Sultan Hussein Shah, the first sultan of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles originally gave $3,000 for the construction of a single-storey building with a double-tiered roof. Today, the mosque is a focal point for the Muslim community. For the full lowdown on this beautiful building, try a guided tour! Tours come in English, Malay, Chinese, or Japanese.
Night markets often spring up in the area complete with food stalls whenever there’s an important festival happening. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the local ‘hood too: Haji Lane and Arab Street make a great hang out with kids.
Sultan Mosque, 3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833
2. Take the kids on a fun history lesson on Malay culture
Head over to the Istana Kampong Gelam (the Malay Heritage Centre), the former home of the Sultanate of Singapore, for a cool history lesson. Check out the exhibits showcasing the colourful history and culture of the Malay community here in Singapore. And, learn more about the various Malay-Muslim celebrations that happen throughout the year. Psst, the centre will be closing for renovations soon, so best to head there now while it’s still open!
Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate Singapore 198501
3. Spend the day at the museums
Once you’re done visiting the Malay Heritage Centre and walking around Kampong Glam, take the time out to head to a museum! We find that a public holiday’s the best time to visit, and there are tons of kid-friendly museums in town to go to during Hari Raya Haji. Our favourites to visit with the kids? National Gallery Singapore has awesome exhibits for kids. We also had a great time exploring the Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark.
4. Visit a goat farm
Since Korban will not be taking place in Singapore again this year, the closest that you can get to see cows and goats this Hari Raya Haji are at the farms in Lim Chu Kang. Don’t worry, you won’t be witnessing any slaughtering over here! Just some a-meh-zingly moo-velous creatures that you can pat, take photos with, and then buy some milk from after your trip. Woo! We mean, moo!
DairyFolks, 5 Lim Chu Kang Lane 8A, Singapore 719608
Viknesh Dairy Farm, 6 Lim Chu Kang Lane 8A, Singapore 719607
Hay Dairies, 3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, Singapore 718859
5. Stay home and enjoy special programmes on the telly
If you’re not planning to go out, that’s fine. Singapore’s free-to-air Malay language channel Suria has prepared a line-up of Hari Raya Haji programmes to keep you company at home. There’s a children’s drama airing at 11am, a Hari Raya Haji variety programme at 8.30pm, and a two-hour telemovie following the variety show. You can also catch the shows simultaneously on the online platform meWatch.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha!