13 Facts To Know About Celebrating Hari Raya In Singapore
What's the difference between Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji?
By The Weekly team -
This year, Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), which marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on Mar 31. In Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa is used to refer to the festival of Eid al-Fitr while Hari Raya Haji, also known as Aidiladha (alternatively spelt as Eid al-Adha or Eid Adha), refers to the Great Day of Sacrifice.
Both are important events of great religious significance amongst the Muslim community and one of the many aspects that make our island diverse. Read below for some facts to know about Hari Raya Puasa, how it's celebrated in Singapore, and scroll further on for the differences between Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims all over the world and falls on the first day of Syawal, the 10th month of the Hijrah (Islamic) calendar. In Singapore, it is commonly referred to as Hari Raya Puasa.
The day marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan — Hari Raya is a Malay term that means "Celebration Day" or "Grand Day of Celebration", while “puasa” translates to “fasting”. It is also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Muslims fast for a month during Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar) from dusk till dawn. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is seen as a way to purify the soul, increase self-discipline, and cultivate a greater sense of empathy and compassion for the less fortunate.
By abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor and hungry, and are encouraged to be more generous and charitable towards others. After evening prayer and sunset, Muslims break their fast with Iftar. Many break their fast with three dates, like how the prophet Mohammed did when he broke his own fast.
Today, authorities rely on astronomical calculations instead and the date for Hari Raya Puasa is known in advance every year. It's published online and in the media.
But back in the 1960s, this wasn't the case. Because it's based on a lunar calendar, the first day of Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore was determined by moon sightings. Older folk in the family may recall that announcements were made on the radio to declare the sighting of the new moon.
On the morning of Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims in Singapore visit the mosque to offer special prayers to commemorate the festival, known as Eid ul-Fitr prayers.
They get dressed in new clothes and offer prayers of gratitude to Allah for the blessings received during Ramadan.
This is followed by a day of visiting family and relatives, while sporting beautiful traditional Malay outfits, such as the baju melayu for men and baju kurung for women. Some women prefer to wear the kebayas, which can be hip-length or longer, depending on personal taste and what's in style. Some also wear the jubah, a long, loose-fitting garment.
It is popular for families to be dressed in matching colours or patterns as they go about their visits — this represents togetherness and unity. Seeing the whole family out and about dressed as a united team adds to the festive vibe!
This practice of matching clothes has influenced other ethnic groups in Singapore, and it is now more common to see Chinese families dressed in matching fabrics during Chinese New Year.
At each home visit, visitors are usually treated to a spread of delicious Malay food such as ketupat (diamond-shaped rice dumpling wrapped in woven palm leaves), lemang (cylinder-shaped glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves), lontong (rice cakes served with coconut-based soup with vegetables) and rendang (spicy meat dish). There are often lots of kuih and cookies as well.
It is customary for children and elders to receive "duit raya" (which means festive money). This gift of money is presented in green or colourful envelopes from adults. The custom of gifting money to kids and the elderly is also consistent with the Islamic practice of sadaqah, zakat, or charity.
In Islam, the act of charity is deemed to be one of, if not the most favourable acts, and it is among the things emphasised during the holy month of Ramadan.
It is typically understood that you no longer receive duit raya once you enter the workforce and you are expected to give duit raya when you become a working adult. There are no rules about how much to put in the envelopes either (the idea is to give from the heart), but in general, the amount is higher if you are close to the kids' family members.
Apart from feasting, Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore is also a time for forgiveness and trying to live as a better person. Family members seek forgiveness and blessings from each other, starting with the young ones approaching the elderly. It's an emotional time, and you'll often see a few (happy) tears.
In Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday for everyone for just one day, but celebrations go on within the Muslim community throughout the entire month of Syawal. House visits often continue on the weekends and sometimes even on weekday evenings. Feasting, seeking forgiveness, and giving duit raya are carried on during the month-long affair.
While the first day of Hari Raya Puasa is usually focused on visiting immediate family, the subsequent weeks are centered around visiting ever more distant relatives, colleagues, and friends. For this reason, many Muslims love to update their home decor around Raya, splashing out on everything from fresh serving plates and new appliances to new carpets and curtains to make their home a beacon of welcome.
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, and is an obligatory contribution by all Muslims during the month of Ramadan, serving as a welfare contribution to poor and needy individuals. The annual rates are announced by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).
Zakat Fitrah must be fulfilled during the month of Ramadan and before Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers.
Back in the day, oil lamps known as pelita or panjut were lit from the 20th day of Ramadan to attract spirits and angels alike. Lighted lamps are also believed to bring blessings to people’s homes during the night of Lailatul Qadar. These lights continue to shine brightly until the end of the festival.
While people often buy lanterns for Hari Raya, it's also increasingly common for children to make DIY craft lanterns with their parents. It's a fun bonding activity to do as a family.
Not to be confused with Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha, marks the Muslim pilgrimage known as the hajj, undertaken during Zulhijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. This journey retraces the steps of the Prophet Muhammad, and every able-bodied Muslim with the financial means is expected to undertake it at least once in their lifetime.
It is celebrated 70 days after Ramadan, and celebrations last up to four days. This year, it is expected to fall on June 7.
Significance
Hari Raya Haji commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. However, God intervened and provided a ram to sacrifice instead. This event is a crucial part of Islamic tradition and is described in the Quran.
Hence, one of the most significant aspects of Hari Raya Haji is the practice of Korban, or sacrificial slaughtering of livestock, which symbolises Ibrahim's obedience
This is carried out in designated mosques under strict regulations to ensure hygiene and animal welfare. The meat from the sacrificed animals is distributed to the needy, both within the Muslim community and to others in need, emphasising the values of charity and sharing.
Since 2020, mosques here have also offered overseas korban services, a practice that began in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. According to the SalamSG Korban sub-committee, 52 mosques offered this service last year. The livestock was sacrificed in Australia, before the meat was chilled and flown to Singapore. (Source: The Straits Times)
This article was originally published on April 10, 2024 and updated on March 3, 2025.