• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
Get our Newsletter

Lifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living HomepageLifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Login Pelcro Shop

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Property
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Work & Finance
        • Costa Rhu: Jyoti’s spacious & central Tanjong Rhu condo
        • Shop dress shoes for men in SingaporeDress shoes for men – finding the perfect pair in Singapore
        • living in singapore demographics expat living reader surveyEXPAT LIVING READER SURVEY 2023
        • Forex trading for beginnersHow to start forex trading in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things to do
      • EL Events
      • Calendar
      • Competitions
      • Noticeboard
        • VIP Glamourous Giving Sep 2023What’s on this week and beyond
        • Sailing Yacht Charter in SingaporeLuxury yacht rentals in Singapore
        • Where to watch the F1 2023 and party!
        • One Rishta - a website for happiness and culture in Singapore from Rituparna senguptaA new way to access creativity and culture in Singapore!
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • Nexus International School Singapore digital learning and managementCoding languages starts early at this school
        • early learning centre on holland roadSJI’s early learning centre with a low student-to-teacher ratio
        • Centre Stage performing arts and drama classes in SingaporeTop ballet, dance and drama classes in Singapore
        • agora colearning inclusive learning environmentThis new preschool has a personalised learning environment
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Furniture & Décor
      • Real Homes
        • Looking for the best outdoor furniture?
        • Where to buy antiques or vintage furniture – Reviews
        • Modern interior design with a touch of tradition!
        • Singapore home decor by Originals7 best furniture stores for home décor in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Australasia
      • Rest Of The World
        • Indonesia travel - where to stay in BaliIndonesia travel – Where to stay in Bali & island resorts
        • Sailing Yacht Charter in SingaporeLuxury yacht rentals in Singapore
        • Beach Villas Wakatobi Indonesian island resort6 Reasons to Book These Beach Villas!
        • The Latest Travel News & Hotel Deals
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • Oktoberfest 2023 singapore - the places for food and beerHow to celebrate Oktoberfest 2023 in Singapore
        • Deviate wine bar in Dempsey Hill - we chat to owner Joe Keats of Petersons WinesThis Dempsey bar is a best-kept secret!
        • Crossroads cafe at Orchard - where to eat in Orchard Road - alfresco dining SingaporeTry alfresco dining & happy hour at this café at Orchard Road
        • The best birthday cakes in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • sensitive skin moisturiser skincare steps productsTried & Tested: Sensitive skin moisturisers, serums & more!
        • Shop dress shoes for men in SingaporeDress shoes for men – finding the perfect pair in Singapore
        • Six shades full set Bigen Men Beard ColorDye your beard like an expert – at home!
        • Tiffany Cook and Caroline Chin Geyler from T&C Gemstones and JewelleryBespoke jewellery created by a pair of gem lovers!
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • allergic rhinitis, allergy medication and insuranceFast facts about allergies, their symptoms and insurance
        • art therapy depression treatmentNavigating depression with Experiential Therapy
        • The best personal trainers and personal training gyms in SingaporeWhere to go for personal trainers in Singapore
        • Sport clubs in SingaporeWant to join a sports team?
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • Close

5 things to know about Hari Raya Haji

28th June 2023 by Expat Living 2 Min Read

https://expatliving.sg/6-facts-hari-raya-haji/

One of the great things about living in Singapore is the opportunity to experience so many different religious and cultural festivals. Hari Raya Haji is just one of them. Besides enjoying the public holiday on 29th June, why not brush up on your knowledge of the festival with these five key points?

#1 Hari Raya Haji marks the end of the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

Each (normal) year, millions of worshippers flock to Islam’s most sacred mosque, Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām. By performing the Hajj, devotees show their commitment to God. Muslims who are physically and financially able to are required to go on the pilgrimage at least once in their lives. The Hajj involves various rituals, including circling the Ka’abah (a building in the middle of the mosque) seven times. The Ka’abah, which is considered the most sacred site in Islam, is also where Muslims face for prayer wherever they are in the world. It’s not a cheap trip – some spend thousands of dollars to make the pilgrimage.

#2 Hari Raya Haji and Hari Raya Puasa are not the same thing.

Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, while Hari Raya Haji marks the end of the Hajj. Since Hari Raya Haji has a more spiritual focus, it doesn’t have the same concentration on feasting as a main part of the celebrations like Hari Raya Puasa. But you can still expect to see tables lined with traditional food in Muslim homes.

Hari Raya Haji Mecca Ka'abah
The Ka’abah at Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām in Mecca

#3 Hari Raya Haji is celebrated on the 10th day of the final month of the Islamic calendar.

The dates for Islamic festivals are based on astronomical calculations hence they differ every year. Because the Islamic calendar (a lunar one) is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Islamic festivals occur around 10 to 11 days earlier every year. Back in 2006, Hari Raya Haji was celebrated twice – 10 January and 31 December!

#4 Also known as Eid al-Adha – “the feast of the sacrifice” – Hari Raya Haji commemorates the great faith of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).

He obeyed God’s command to sacrifice his son Ismail. As Ibrahim was about to kill his son on the altar, God intervened and provided a sheep for the sacrifice instead. Since then Muslims around the world would sacrifice livestock such as sheep, lambs and goats through a ritual known as the korban. It involves facing the animal in the direction of the Ka’abah and saying a prayer. Its throat is slit to ensure a quick death and then the meat is distributed to worshippers and the needy.

Hari raya Haji prayers
During Hari Raya Haji, Muslims head to the mosque for prayers

#5 The festival is also observed through fasting and prayers.

Although it isn’t compulsory, Muslims may fast on the eve of Hari Raya Haji. On the morning of the festival, Muslims will head to the mosque for sermons and prayers. After this, the korban is carried out, then Muslims visit family and friends to share food and gifts.

Find out more about living in Singapore!

What you need to know about Hari Raya Puasa
The expat’s guide to where to live in Singapore

 

Categories: Living here Living in Singapore Tags: Culture Culture And Tradition Festivals Hari Raya Haji Living In Singapore

Expat Living

Expat Living has everything to help you make the most of living in Singapore! We've got information on neighbourhoods, things to do and see, dining, entertainment, schools, travel, fashion, furniture, finance, health and beauty. And more!

You May Also Like

Costa Rhu: Jyoti’s spacious & central Tanjong Rhu condo

living in singapore demographics expat living reader survey

EXPAT LIVING READER SURVEY 2023

foreign exchange rates money transfer services

Money transfer services with great exchange rates!

Primary Sidebar

  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2023 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.