Ways Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji are Different from each other
- Author: Gurnika Published: 10th Mar, 2021
When the word Hari Raya is translated into English, it means ‘great day’. However, the ‘great day of fasting’ and the ‘great day of pilgrimage to Mecca’ are two separate days that are often confused as one.
Take a look at the table below to clear any ambiguity regarding Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji.
| Occasion | Hari Raya Puasa | Hari Raya Haji |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | It is a time for practising forgiveness and strengthening bonds between friends and family members. | It is a time to commemorate the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son- Ismail to god as a sign of submission to the almighty. |
| Name meaning | Puasa in English means ‘fasting’ | Haji in English means ‘pilgrim to Mecca’ |
| Also known as | Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid al-Fitr | Festival of sacrifice or Eid ul-Adha |
| Time of celebration | Celebrated at the end of the one month of Ramadan fasting | Celebrated at the end of the pilgrimage (Haji), which is 70 days after Ramadan. |
| Post Morning Prayer | After the morning sermon and prayer at the mosque, Muslims visit friends and relatives to feast wholeheartedly. | After the morning sermon and prayer at the mosque, a korban (sacrifice) of live sheep, lambs and other livestock is performed. Prayers continue to be recited during the slaughter. |
| Time Period | The celebration lasts for 30 days (1 month) | The celebrations last up to 4 days. |
| Scale in Singapore | This festival is commemorated on a larger scale in Singapore. | This festival is celebrated on a comparatively smaller scale in Singapore. |
While both days are vastly different from each other, their significance in the Muslim community remains the same. Both festivals are celebrated with an exchange of exciting Hari Raya Puasa & Hari Raya Haji gifts. Also, being surrounded by loved ones in the delight of the joyous occasion is an important aspect of both festivals.
