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Hari Raya Aidiladha (by Sulaiman Bin Salim and Syed Nasir Bin Syed
Mohamed)
Muslims all over the world observe Eid-ul Adha (in Arabic) or Hari
Raya Aidil Adha (in Malay) on the 10th day of Zulhijah, the last
month of the Muslim calendar. The corresponding Gregorian date this
year is on 1st February 2004. This festival is celebrated in conjunction
with the pilgrimages performed by Muslims, called the Haj and to
commemorate Prophet Abraham’s spirit of Qurban or sacrifice. Thus,
in Singapore, Hari Raya Aidil Adha is also known as Hari Raya Haji
or Hari Raya Qurban.
The Haj is a pilgrimage to the holy places in and around the holy
city of Mecca (the birthplace of Islam) in Saudi Arabia where pilgrims
will perform certain religious rituals and prayers. It is one of
the central religious duties of Muslims and is enshrined in the
Quran. According to the fifth tenet of Islam, Muslims who are financially
and physically able are required to perform a pilgrimage to the
holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage
is also inspired by the earlier example of obedience to God set
by the Prophet of Abraham. Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple
garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so
that all stand equal before God.
After the completion of the Haj, the pilgrims would perform the
'qurban' or sacrifice. This act is in remembrance of Prophet Abraham’s
willingness to sacrifice his elder son, Ishmael, when God commanded
him to do it as a test of his commitment to his faith. At the last
moment, God miraculously replaced a ram in place of Ishmael.
In Singapore, the day is spent offering thanksgiving prayers and
prayers for forgiveness
at the mosques early in the morning. After prayers, Muslims conduct
the 'qurban' - slaughtering of animals such as lambs and goats.
Though not a compulsory religious duty, it is considered an obligation
for those who can afford. The meat is distributed to neighbours,
friends and most importantly to the poor and needy while keeping
a portion (usually 1/3) for their family. It is customary for Muslims
to visit their parents and relatives where a wide selection of traditional
Malay food is served.
Hari Raya Aidiladha is different from Hari Raya Puasa, also known
as Aidil Fitri. Hari Raya Puasa, which falls on the 1st of Syawal,
the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, marks the end of Ramadan,
the month of fasting. It is a day of victory for Muslims, having
successfully completed the fast.
