Selamat Hari Raya Haji Aidiladha

Selamat Hari Raya Haji Aidiladha. Find out more about the history, background and meaning of Hari Raya Haji. Learn about Hari Raya Haji Korban ritual.

It is the time of the year again to celebrate the blessings that God has given to our Muslims. Hereby, the team at Tekkaus.com would like to wish everyone who is celebrating this great day, Selamat Hari Raya Haji Aidiladha. May all of you will continue to be showered with unlimited blessings for your kindness and compassion.

Selamat Hari Raya Haji Aidiladha

Hari Raya Haji (meaning "great day of the haj" in Malay), also known as Aidiladha (alternatively spelt as Eid al-Adha or Eid Adha) or the Great Day of Sacrifice, is a Muslim festival celebrated on the tenth day of Zulhijjah (the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar). It also commemorates the Islamic prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah (God). One of the most important rituals of the festival is the korban, which entails the sacrifice of animals. Besides Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji Aidiladha is arguably one of the most important festivals celebrated by Muslims in Malaysia and the whole world.

Hari Raya Haji Background and Meaning

Hari Raya Haji is a holiday for Muslims that marks the haj, which is a religious trip. The fifth pillar of Islam says that all Muslims who are healthy and have enough money must make this journey at least once in their lives. The haj retraces the steps that Prophet Muhammad took on his trip to Mecca. It must be done in the Islamic month of Zulhijjah, which is the 12th month of the year.

The Hari Raya Haji Aidiladha festival also commemorates the story of Ibrahim and his son Ismail, who are said to have been guided by Allah to construct the Kaaba, a square stone structure in the centre of the Great Mosque in Mecca that is regarded as the holiest site by Muslims. During devotion, Muslims face the direction of the Kabaa.

In the Quran, there is a story about how Allah told Ibrahim to kill his son Ismail as a test of how well he would follow orders. Just as Ibrahim was about to do what God told him to do, God stopped him and said that he could give a sheep instead of his son. On Hari Raya Haji, the ritual of korban includes the sacrifice of animals. This sacrificial ceremony is carried out to immortalise Ibrahim's great selfless action of sacrifice and obedience to Allah.

Hari Raya Haji Rituals and Practices

Hari Raya Haji Fasting and Prayers

Unlike during Ramadan, when all Muslims are required to fast daily from sunrise to sunset for an entire month, fasting on the eve of Hari Raya Haji Aidiladha (known as Wukuf) is typically voluntary. Before performing the korban ritual on the day of the festival, Muslims first congregate in mosques for congregational prayers.

The Hari Raya Haji Korban Ritual

One of the most important parts of Hari Raya Haji is the korban. The ritual is a sunnah muakkad, which means it is not required but is highly recommended. It can be done alone or with a group. Muslims who can afford to should do the Korban if they can.

Beginning the sacrifice ritual by praying while facing the animal to be sacrificed in the direction of the Kabaa. The carotid vein in the animal's neck is then slashed to ensure a speedy death, typically within a minute. The animal is then slaughtered and its flesh is distributed.

Since the korban is a sacrifice of something important, it is usually an animal like a sheep, goat, or cow. The person who kills the animal takes one-third of the meat for themselves, and the other two-thirds are given to friends, neighbours, and people who are poor or in need.

The ceremony takes place in mosques and religious institutions across Malaysia. The korban may be performed by the donor or by designated butchers at each slaughter site. In addition to its religious significance, the korban also serves to raise funds for the various Muslim organizations and mosques that provide korban services. The funds will support their maintenance and educational programs.

Calculation of the Date of Hari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji has no set date on the Gregorian calendar. To the uninitiated,  the sighting of the new moon is important as it is used for the calculation and the setting of the date of Hari Raya Haji. This means that the date changes from year to year. Each year, the date of the holiday in Malaysia is set by JAKIM (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia).

Hari Raya Haji Greetings and Wishes

Of course, you can also send your fellow Muslim friends special messages and cards during this special Hari Raya Haji celebration with the following greetings and wishes.

• May the blessings of Hari Raya Haji bring joy, peace, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak!
• Wishing you a blessed and joyous Hari Raya Haji filled with love, happiness, and good health. Eid Mubarak!
• May the spirit of sacrifice and obedience shine upon you and your family on this auspicious occasion. Happy Hari Raya Haji!
• On this special day, may Allah accept your prayers and bless you with His divine grace. Eid Mubarak and Happy Hari Raya Haji!
• May your heart and home be filled with happiness, unity, and the spirit of generosity. Wishing you a blissful Hari Raya Haji!
• May the spirit of Eid bring peace and prosperity to your life. Have a blessed Hari Raya Haji!
• As you celebrate Hari Raya Haji, may your faith be strengthened, and your prayers be answered. Eid Mubarak!
• On this holy occasion, may Allah's blessings be showered upon you and your family. Happy Hari Raya Haji!
• Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and meaningful Hari Raya Haji. May your sacrifices be rewarded abundantly. Eid Mubarak!
• May the divine blessings of Allah fill your life with happiness, contentment, and success. Happy Hari Raya Haji!

Hari Raya Haji Posters Virtual Greeting Cards

The following is a collection of Hari Raya Posters Virtual Greeting Cards that you can send to your beloved family members or friends who are celebrating Hari Raya Haji. Here are the Top 16 Selamat Hari Raya Haji Virtual Greeting Cards that you can send to your beloved family and friends via WhatsApp, Messenger or WeChat. Sending a thoughtful and beautiful "Kad Hari Raya" is very important, especially in this post-pandemic era. Send these digital Hari Raya greeting cards now.

16 Virtual Hari Raya Haji Cards to Send

I believe all these Happy Raya Haji Greeting Cards and images are adorable and lovely. Last but not least, my deepest gratitude to all my family members and friends who celebrate this wonderful festival today. Again, Selamat Hari Raya Haji Aidiladha. 😊

Images credit: Shutterstock