When is Hari Raya Haji?
Hari Raya Haji (Eid Al-Adha) falls on the 10th day of the month of Dzulhijjah, the last month of the Muslim calendar, and marks the conclusion of the annual Haj - the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
History of Hari Raya Haji
This festival is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything for God, including the life of his own son Ishmael.
Due to God sparing Ishmael and substituting a sheep in his stead, Muslims commemorate the occasion by slaughtering an animal and distributing its meat among family, friends and the needy as a special act of charity for the occasion.
As a result of this special occasion, many poor Muslims are able to enjoy the unusual luxury of eating meat during the four days of this festival.
In keeping with the tradition of 'Eid, local Muslims will dress up in new or special clothes, visit friends and relatives, hold 'Eid gatherings and parties as well as give gifts to their children.
