Hari Raya Haji Holiday Malaysia 2024

Hari Raya Haji Holiday Malaysia 2024

Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is a significant Islamic holiday celebrated in Malaysia, as well as in many other countries with Muslim populations. It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The date varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the sighting of the moon.

It is a Malaysia national public holiday on 17th June and also additionally celebrated on 18th June in Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu.

Hari Raya Haji commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Islamic tradition) to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God's command. However, God provided a ram as a substitute for the sacrifice. Muslims around the world perform the act of qurbani, or animal sacrifice, during this holiday to commemorate this event.

How Malaysia Celebrates Hari Raya Haji 2024

One of the central aspects of Hari Raya Haji is the ritual slaughter of livestock, such as goats, cows, or sheep, by those who can afford to do so. The meat from the sacrificed animals is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the needy, one-third to friends and family, and one-third is retained for one's own family.

On Hari Raya Haji, Muslims attend special prayers at mosques and prayer grounds, where religious leaders deliver sermons. These prayers are an essential part of the holiday's observance

1. Family and Community Gatherings: As with other Islamic holidays, Hari Raya Haji is a time for family reunions and gatherings. Families come together to celebrate and share meals, including dishes made from the sacrificed animals.
2. Traditional Cuisine: Special dishes are prepared during Hari Raya Haji, often featuring the meat from the qurbani. These dishes include rendang (a type of beef stew), satay (grilled skewered meat), and various rice dishes.
3. Acts of Charity: It is customary for Muslims to engage in acts of charity and kindness during this holiday by providing food and assistance to those in need, especially in the form of distributing the meat from the qurbani to the less fortunate.
4. Festive Atmosphere: In Malaysia, Hari Raya Haji is a festive occasion marked by colorful decorations, traditional music, and cultural performances. It is a time for Malaysians to embrace the spirit of giving and to strengthen bonds within their communities.

Hari Raya Haji is one of the two major Islamic holidays in Malaysia, with the other being Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr). These celebrations are an integral part of Malaysia's cultural and religious landscape, and they are observed with great enthusiasm and reverence by the Muslim population in the country.