Hari Raya Haji (Eid Ul-Adha) or also known as Hari Raya Korban is the festival of sacrifice and celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for Allah. Usually sheep or other animals deemed Halal (permissible) are sacrificed as food offerings and distributed amongst their neighbours, relatives and the poor and hungry and while this is not a compulsory, it is considered an obligation for those who can afford it.
It falls on the 10th day of the month of Dzulhijjah, the last month of the Muslim calendar after Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and is celebrated by Muslims to honour pilgrims who have completed their Hajj. The centre of the world-wide celebrations is the small village of Mina, a few miles from Mecca. This is the site of the three pillars which represent the devil (Iblis) and are stoned by Muslims during the Hajj. These three pillars represent the three steps taken to shoo away the devil, who tried to convince Prophet Ibrahim not to offer the sacrifice to Allah.
Hari Raya Haji is supposed to be four days, with the prayer being on the first day. During this day, men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing. The charitable instincts of the Muslim community are demonstrated during this period by the concerted effort to see that no impoverished Muslim is left without sacrificial food during this day.
Selamat Hari Raya Haji Aidiladha!
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