Events in the Islamic Calendar

The Literature, Culture and Society of Singapore

Hari Raya Puasa & Hari Raya Haji

	Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji are two Islamic festivals well-known in Singapore, and are public holidays.
Masjid Kampong Holland, Hari Raya Puasa, 1999	Hari Raya Puasa (or 'Id Al-Fitri in Arabic) celebrates the end of Ramadan - the holy month of fasting (or puasa in Malay) from sunrise to sunset. It is an especially joyous occasion after the hardship of fasting and is generally more celebrated than the main feast of Hari Raya Haji.
Masjid Al-Istighfar, Hari Raya Haji, 2000	Hari Raya Haji marks the climax of the annual pilgrimage rites performed in Mecca. The day is celebrated with the slaughter of sheep to commemorate the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), to sacrifice his willing son Ishmael to Allah (God). This commemorative 'Feast of Sacrifice' (called 'Id Al-Adha in Arabic) is practiced throughout the Islamic world.
Masjid Al-Istighfar, 2001	Muslims commence these two festivals with a visit to the mosque for the special morning 'Id prayers, usually dressed in their best attire.

Exhibition is on at the Asian Civilisations Museum till 31 December 2002. This document is part of a joint project of the Asian Civilisations Museum and the University Scholars Programme, National University of Singapore. The images and accompanying text appear here with the kind permission of the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Last updated: February 2002