Hari Raya Haji in Singapore
Hari Raya Haji, also called Aidiladha or Eid al-Adha, falls on the tenth day of Zulhijjah and marks the end of the haj pilgrimage. In Singapore it is a public holiday, observed by Muslims with prayers, korban and visits to family and friends.[1]
Meaning and place in Singapore
Hari Raya Haji is one of two major Muslim festivals recognised as a public holiday in Singapore. The festival recalls Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to obey Allah and sacrifice his son Ismail; in the account described by Singapore’s National Heritage Board, Allah intervened and a sheep was sacrificed in Ismail’s place.[1]
The date follows the Islamic calendar, so its Gregorian date varies from year to year. The tenth of Zulhijjah is also associated with the conclusion of the haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims are encouraged to undertake at least once if able.[1]
A public holiday and workplace entitlement
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower lists Hari Raya Haji among the country’s 11 gazetted public holidays. Employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to paid public holidays; someone required to work on one is generally entitled to an extra day’s salary, with alternatives available by mutual agreement.[2]
The day off depends on an employee’s work arrangement. If the holiday falls on a rest day, the next working day is a paid public holiday; if it falls on a non-working day, an eligible employee is entitled to another day off or extra pay. Employees outside the Act’s coverage follow their employment contract.[2]
Prayers, korban and family visits
In Singapore, Hari Raya Haji prayers and rituals take place at mosques. Worshippers attend prayers before korban, the ritual offering of livestock. Because local communities do not own livestock in Singapore’s urban setting, korban is conducted at local mosques using imported livestock; some Muslims instead arrange korban overseas or donate livestock to people in need abroad.[1]
The National Heritage Board describes the meat as shared: one-third is distributed to people in need, while the rest is kept by the buyer and shared with friends and family. Muslims may also visit relatives and friends on the day. These practices connect the observance with sacrifice, sharing and care for others.[1]
Planning around the holiday
Hari Raya Haji is a religious observance as well as a statutory public holiday. Check opening hours with the bank, shop or restaurant before you go, check transport with the operator, and consult the relevant mosque for prayer arrangements.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Hari Raya Haji a public holiday in Singapore?
When does Hari Raya Haji fall?
It falls on the tenth day of Zulhijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Its corresponding Gregorian date changes each year.[1]
What happens if it falls on my rest day?
For employees covered by the Employment Act, the next working day is a paid public holiday if Hari Raya Haji falls on their rest day. If it falls on a non-working day, they are entitled to another day off or extra pay.[2]
What do Muslims in Singapore do on Hari Raya Haji?
Common observances described by Singapore’s National Heritage Board include mosque prayers, korban and visits to relatives and friends. Korban meat is shared with people in need, friends and family.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Hari Raya Haji in Singapore:
- Hari Raya Haji- National Heritage Board, Singapore
- Public holidays: entitlement and pay- Ministry of Manpower, Singapore