Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Malaysia

Meaning and timing

Eid al-Adha, also called Hari Raya Korban, commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God and the account of his son Ismail’s readiness to obey as well. A khutbah published by Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development presents korban as a reminder of sincere submission and devotion; the animal’s meat and blood are not the point of the rite.[6]

Public holiday status

Malaysia’s holiday laws list Hari Raya Haji as a public holiday. Under the Holidays Act 1951 schedule, it is two days in Kelantan and Terengganu and one day in the other states covered by that Act. Sabah and Sarawak have separate holiday ordinances that also list Hari Raya Haji.[1][2][3][4]

A public holiday does not automatically mean every private-sector employee receives that particular day off. In Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, the Employment Act provides for 11 paid public holidays each year, including five specified holidays; employers select the other six from gazetted holidays, and the law permits substitution in certain cases. The Act also provides a replacement paid holiday when a covered holiday coincides with a rest day or another public holiday.[5]

Prayer and korban

Muslims mark the festival with Eid prayer. In guidance on korban, the Federal Territories Mufti Department says the sacrifice begins after the Eid prayer and sermon, and may take place during the following days of Dhu al-Hijjah as well.[7]

Korban is a form of worship associated with Eid al-Adha. The Mufti Department describes sharing its meat with people in need as part of the rite. It also says some of the meat may be used for a kenduri, a communal meal, provided a portion is given raw to people in need; this supports describing shared meals as one possible practice, rather than a uniform custom across the country.[8]

What to expect

Public offices, schools and banks in Sabah are generally covered by that state’s public-holiday ordinance, which defines public holidays as days observed by those institutions. The ordinance allows exceptions for some public offices. In other parts of Malaysia, the relevant state or federal holiday law applies, and individual business opening hours are not established by these laws. Check with a particular shop, bank or service before visiting.[1][3][4]