Hari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji, also known as Hari Raya Aidiladha or Eid al-Adha, is one of Singapore’s most significant Islamic public holidays. It falls on the 10th day of Zulhijah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God’s command to sacrifice his son, a test of faith ultimately replaced by the sacrifice of a ram. The festival is also closely associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is why it is widely known as the “Pilgrims’ Festival” or the “Festival of Sacrifice.” In Singapore, Hari Raya Haji is observed according to the Islamic calendar and its official date is announced by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS); in 2026, it is expected to fall on 27 May, subject to the official lunar-calendar determination.

A central custom is the korban, or qurban, in which approved mosques and Muslim organizations arrange the ritual sacrifice of sheep, goats, or cattle on behalf of donors. The meat is distributed among the donor’s household, relatives and friends, and people in need, emphasizing compassion, sharing, and social responsibility. Singapore’s tightly regulated arrangements typically involve designated slaughter facilities and organized meat distribution. Festive meals may include dishes such as beef or mutton rendang, biryani, lontong, sambal, and kuih, although celebrations are generally more solemn and charity-focused than those associated with Hari Raya Puasa.