Has multiple names
Source: Pixabay
If you thought that Hari Raya Haji was the only name by which Muslims worldwide celebrated, you are wrong. Different parts of the world have their name versions for this auspicious festival, like Eid al-Adha, Eid Adha, Eid ul-Adha, Aidiladha, and Eid.
Slaughtering Animal symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s Sacrifice
Source: Pixabay
The act of slaughtering an animal is not for entertainment, but rather a sign to remember and pay respects to Prophet Ibrahim. The story goes: he was asked by God to sacrifice his most loved possession- his son. So, when the time for the ultimate sacrifice came, his son was suddenly replaced by a ram whose throat was finally slit.
This act of pure devotion and love shows that everyone should be as connected with the almighty as Prophet Ibrahim. Hence, the sacrifice of animals for Hari Raya Haji in Singapore and other parts of the world.
Different types of Animals are sacrificed
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No one animal is sacrificed on Hari Raya Haji! Goats, sheep and cows are the three animals that can be used for the ritual.
Distribution of Sacrificed animal meat
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The sacrificed animal is divided into three parts. The first goes to the buyer, the second to their friends and family, and lastly, to the poor.
The purpose is to include every Muslim irrespective of income in the festivities.
End of the Annual Pilgrimage to Mecca
Source: Pixabay
Every year, you will find a sea of worshippers visiting the sacred mosque- Al-Masjid Al-Harām in the Holy city of Mecca. They come to fulfil their desire to pilgrimage to the mosque, also known as Hajj. Thus, Hari Raya Haji marks the end of this pilgrimage, as people perform rituals and pray from their hearts.
Celebrated on the 10th Day of the Islamic Calendar
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The Islamic calendar is different from the Georgian one because it is based on astronomical calculations. Thus, as a lunar calendar, it is shorter than the western one, which is why every year, the festivals fall 10 or 11 days before.
One Day of Fasting
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Besides giving the warmest Selamat Hari Raya Haji wishes, people are also encouraged to fast a day before the festival, called the Day of Arafah on 9th Zulhijjah. The purpose is to cleanse themselves by absolving sins.
Lasts for 4 Days
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Like Hari Puasa, people celebrate Hari Raya Haji in Singapore and worldwide for four days lasting from the 10th to the 13th Zulhijjah (the last month of the Islamic calendar). However, the family visitations happen on the 10th day.
Not as Grand as Hari Raya Puasa
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Since Hari Raya Haji is the second Eid festival after Puasa, it’s not observed with the same pomp. It has a somewhat sober celebration wherein a few people practise the exchange of Hari Raya Haji gifts and green packets.
Eat Dates in odd numbers
Source: Pixabay
Since we are talking about Hari Raya Haji facts, we left the best for the last. Muslims are encouraged to eat dates before their Eid prayers but in odd numbers because the Quran talks about the Prophet doing the same.
By fnp blog
