Photo: Unsplash
Cover Photo: Unsplash

Not sure how to celebrate Hari Raya Haji under the new Covid-19 rules? From booking mosque slots online to getting a halal meal delivered to you, here's how you can celebrate with your loved ones safely

Hari Raya Haji, or the Festival of Sacrifice, is coming up tomorrow on July 20 and it is an incredibly significant day for Muslims who will be commemorating it. 

Related: Hari Raya Haji 2021: 4 Things to Know About This Significant Day

The day celebrates the faith and trust that Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) had in God when God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael). It also marks the end of the sacred Muslim pilgrimage which is commonly known as the Haj.

Unfortunately, Hari Raya Haji this year has been significantly impacted by the sudden rise in community Covid-19 cases as a result of the KTV and Jurong Fishery Port clusters.

This means that Singapore has imposed a new set of restrictions to curb the cases which have certainly put a damper on our planned activities. 

If you're wondering how to spend the upcoming public holiday safely, here are some ways you can do it.

Related: Hari Raya Puasa 2021: 5 of the Grandest Mosques in Singapore

1. Book your slots at the mosques early

This Hari Raya Haji, we will once again be seeing limitations placed on the number of people who can visit mosques at any one time due to the current Covid-19 regulations.

There are 19 mosques around the island that require Pre-Event Testing (PET) if you are not fully vaccinated and 47 mosques that do not. Each mosque will generally have three sessions in which you can book and all bookings can be done online or through the Muslim.SG app. 

Make sure you book early if you want to go physically. If you are worried about the rising Covid-19 cases or if you are unable to secure a slot, you can watch the Mufti's sermon online

2. Carry out Korban safely

Korban is a very important part of Hari Raya Haji and all Muslims who can afford to participate are encouraged to carry it out. Korban is when Muslims purchase an animal to be sacrificed in the direction of the Kaaba. The animal will then be cleaned and cut up. 

The meat will typically be shared with the needy or with people in the community as it is an act of sacrifice and giving.

This year, Singapore will be seeing a modified form of Korban as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) has announced that no livestock will be imported into Singapore for the annual ritual.

Rather, 51 mosques around the island will be facilitating arrangements for the ritual to be performed in Australia itself. The meat will then be chilled and brought into Singapore. 

Each participating mosque will be providing 120 sheep for Korban and typically priced between $320 and $370 per animal.

Muslims who choose to participate will receive their meat from July 24 onwards and a portion of the meat will be distributed to MUIS' Zakat beneficiaries.

3. Go on a staycation

This public holiday, why not treat you and your loved ones to a short staycation for a mini escapade?

It's the perfect way to get a quick mid-week break as well as to spend your Singaporedicover vouchers if you have not done so yet. 

From The Clan Hotel to the luxurious Dusit Thani Laguna, here are our favourite staycation picks.

Related: Hari Raya Haji 2021: 5 Last-Minute Staycation Ideas in Singapore

4. Binge-watch your favourite Netflix shows

Tatler Asia
Photo: Netflix
Above Photo: Netflix

Considering the rising Covid-19 cases, we won't blame you if you are hesitant about leaving your house. In fact, the current recommendations by the government stipulate that if you live with an unvaccinated elderly person, you should avoid going out as far as possible. 

If you are staying home this Hari Raya Haji, why not take the time to binge-watch some of your favourite shows which have been recently released such as Hospital Playlist season two or the second season of Mindy Kaling's Never Have I Ever?

Related: ‘Money Heist’ Season 5, ‘Sweet Girl’ and More: New Action Films to Watch on Netflix

5. Get your Hari Raya Haji family meal delivered

Dining restrictions seem to be on everyone's mind as we grapple with the new rules that came into effect on July 19. Currently, if you are fully vaccinated, you can continue to dine out in groups of five. If you are not, you can only dine out in groups of two. The rules get a bit more complex when you include families who are trying to dine out with children under the ages of 12 who are not eligible for the vaccination programme

Some establishments such as McDonald's and Toast Box have decided to simply mandate that everyone can only dine in groups of two regardless of their vaccination statuses. 

If the new dining rules are making your head spin, consider getting your meals delivered to you. 

Browse here for our top halal food delivery picks this Hari Raya Haji.

Related: Hari Raya Haji 2021: 8 Restaurants in Singapore With Halal Food Deliveries

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