The celebration
Besides Aidilfitri, Muslims celebrate Aidiladha grandly. In Malaysia, Aidiladha is better known as Hari Raya Haji or Hari Raya Korban and a public holiday is observed.
It is celebrated about two months after Aidilfitri, which is on the 10th day of Zulhijah, the 12th month of the Muslim calendar. This day marks the end of the haj pilgrimage period (about two weeks); hence the name Hari Raya Haji- festival of the pilgrimage.
Annually, millions of Muslims make the journey to the Holy Land of Mecca, Saudi Arabia to perform the haj, a requirement in Islam as it makes up one of the five tenets of the religion. As long as they have the means to do so, and are able health-wise, Muslims must perform the haj at least once in life. Upon completion of the haj, the men earn the title of "haji" and the women, "hajjah".
Aidiladha also commemorates the sacrifices of the prophet Abraham and there is where the word "korban" which means sacrifice came in, He demonstrated immense faith when he was put to the test by God. The prophet was ordered to offer his only son Ishmael up for sacrifice, and though it saddened him greatly, he made ready to perform the task. However, as he was on the verge to strike his son, God stopped him and revealed that it was a test. Ishmael's life was spared, and a ram sacrificed in his place.
As such, during Aidiladha, the sacrifice of animals such as goats, lambs, cows, bulls and camels is performed. The animals are slain in accordance with the proper religious rites while the meat is then distributed.
One third of the meat is handed to the person who willingly supplied the animal, and as for the rest, they are given to the poor and deserving friends and relatives. It is to be noted that this is not a must in religious duty, but an obligation for those who are able to afford it.
The observance of the korban is carried out after the congregational prayers, held early in the morning of Aidiladha. It is not weird for the slaying to take place within the mosque area. Visiting friends and relatives, or entertaining guests at home is customary in this multicultural country and this is normally being carried out during the rest of the day.
Even though the celebration of Aidiladha is not that grand compared to Aidilfitri in Malaysia, by no means is it less important, for it is a day when Muslims reaffirm their faith in God, giving thanks for the many blessings that He has bequeathed to them.