Hari Raya Haji

Performing the Haj or pilgrimage is an obligation to all Muslims. According to the Imam Besar of the National Mosque, a Muslim who has the monetary means and is in good health must undertake the pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime. Muslims all over the world will celebrate Hari Raya Haji on see calendar.

In Malaysian, on the eve of the celebration, Muslim families gather at chosen homes of friends and neighbours for the "takbir", to offer praises to Allah, the almighty God.

The morning of Hari Raya Haji starts with prayers and requests for pardon among family members. This is followed by a gathering at the Surau for the slaughtering of either cows or goats for distribution and donation to the poor and under-privileged. It is a Malaysian practice to hold "open houses" whereupon Muslims and non-Muslims relatives and friends are welcomed to visit and savour the meals and cookies specially prepared for the celebration.

THE SACRIFICE

Hari Raya Haji is also known as "Hari Raya Korban" or a celebration of sacrifice. The story behind how the sacrifice first took place is stated in the Quran. Nabi Ibrahim, dreamed that Allah wanted him to chop off his only son's head. He approached his son Ismail to ask for his permission. Surprisingly Ismail too agreed to die for Allah.

Just when Nabi Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, an angel was sent down to earth to stop him from doing so. Allah was only testing the sincerity of his follower, and requested that Ibrahim substitute an animal in place of his son, Ismail. Until today, Muslims observe slaughtering every year on Hari Raya Haji, as a sacrifice to Allah.

THE SUBSTITUTION

As the pilgrimage is one of the Principals of Islam, excuses for not performing it will not be accepted by Allah. It is a "Fard" to Muslims; a must in life, which has to be fulfilled by all possible means. Nevertheless, as Allah is always fair to his people, there is the "Haj-i'Badal", or the pilgrimage of substitution which allows a substitute to take the place of a pilgrimage.

Anyone who wants to observe the Haj, but is sick or too old to undertake the journey to Mecca may send someone else instead, as a substitute. The expenses must tbe borne by the sender and the substitute being sent over must be a pious and God-fearing Muslim.

THE PILGRIMAGE

There are a few rigid rules to be conformed to before the Haj is acceptable to Allah. Prior to departure, the pilgrimage must prepare a complete will of his or her property. Monetary debts to creditors must be paid by the debtor. An exception to this rule can only be made if the amount of the debt is forgiven by the creditor, allowing the debtor to be economically free of debts so that he can perfom the pilgrimage.

The pilgrim must also have leave sufficient amount of funds for the expenses of immediate family members until his return, so as not to leave them in poverty. After deducting all the above necessary amount of expenditure, the pilgrim must finally have sufficent funds for himself to meet the requirements of the Haj.

Other rules include asking for permission and pardon from parents for his journey to Mecca especially if they are sick or old. The pilgrims must also be adults, as no children are allowed to undertake the journey. At Mecca, the pilgrims must glorify Allah and offer himself as a beggar. Vulgarity and hunting is forbidden except for rats, snakes and an attacking dog. Those who die while on the way to observe the pilgrimage, will have the full reward of the pilgrimage in the eyes of Allah.

In the holy land of Mecca, pilgrims are "guest of Allah". In this context, Hari Raya Haji is celebrated as a blessing in regards to the sacrifices made by those who have undertaken the hardships and pain involved in performing the Haj.