Guide to Hari Raya Haji in Singapore in 2025

Not to be confused with Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji is a celebration of Hajj falls on the 10th day of the last month in the Islamic calendar. Depending on which country you're in, the celebration can last up to four days. The day symbolises the end of the Hajj, which is a pilgrimage every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim is obliged to make once in their lives. During the pilgrimage, Muslims have to perform several rituals and actions in Mecca and surrounding cities including Mina, Arafat and Mudzalifah in Saudi Arabia.

Compared to the bright and lively celebrations of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Haji carries a more reflective tone. At the heart of this Muslim holiday is the theme of sacrifice – a key element in many Islamic traditions. It serves as a reminder of faith in God and the importance of compassion. The practice of donating and distributing the sacrificed meat to those who may need it more than us is not just a ritual, but a meaningful act of generosity and solidarity.

Hari Raya Haji is a Muslims’ celebration to commemorate the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail – a sign of Muslims' submission to God. As Ibrahim was about to complete the sacrifice, God intervened and provided a sheep for sacrifice instead. It is said that the father and son were on a task by God to build the square stone building (Kaaba) in Mecca, which is in the direction that all Muslims around the world pray towards.

On the morning of the Hari Raya Haji, Muslims head to the mosque for sermons and prayers. This year, 37 mosques will host two sessions and eight mosques will have three sessions on May 29, while 45 mosques will offer more than one prayer session on the morning of June 7. The full list and details of the mosques available can be found here. 

Hari Raya Haji is always synonymous with the korban, also known as sacrifice. Livestock such as sheep, lambs and goats are sacrificed by those who are financially able as a moment to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail. The meat from the sacrifice is donated and distributed to the poor and needy.

This year, 52 mosques will offer overseas korban services, whereby the livestock is slaughtered in Australia before the meat is shipped to Singapore. More information can be found here.