Hari Raya Haji 2025

When is Hari Raya Haji?

7 June 2025

Read: Guide to Public Holidays in 2025

What is Hari Raya Haji about?

Also known as Aidiladha, Hari Raya Haji takes place on the 10th day of Zulhijjah – the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. This religious occasion is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the haj. But what exactly is the haj?

The haj – or the Muslim pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca – is one of the five pillars of Islam. It retraces the journey of Prophet Muhammad to Mecca. All Muslims are required to perform the haj at least once, if they are physically-abled and have the financial means.

Hari Raya Haji also commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. According to the Quran, Prophet Ibrahim had a series of dreams where he was instructed by Allah to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail. This was a test of his obedience and servitude to Allah.

But just as Prophet Ibrahim was about to carry out the command, Allah intervened and replaced his son with a sheep that took Ismail’s place as the sacrifice. This is why the korban or sacrificial offering of sheep plays a significant role in the observance of Hari Raya Haji. 

Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail were also believed to have received divine guidance to build the Kaaba as a symbol of love for Allah. The Kaaba is a stone building right in the middle of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Also referred to as the Great Mosque of Mecca, it is considered Islam’s most important mosque and holiest site. Regardless of where a Muslim is in the world, it is in the direction of the Kabaa that he or she faces during prayers. 

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Aidiladha prayers in Singapore

On the morning of Hari Raya Haji, the Muslim community in Singapore goes to the mosque to perform the annual Aidiladha prayers. While not obligatory, it is a highly encouraged act of worship that brings a lot of benefits to congregants.

To accommodate the large number of congregants, 45 mosques in Singapore will be offering more than one prayer session, 37 of which will offer two sessions, and eight will offer three sessions.  

For more information, visit: 

ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF SINGAPORE (MUIS)