Hari Raya Haji is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, but for many kids in Singapore, it can be a little confusing.
Unlike Hari Raya Puasa, which they often associate with new clothes, kuih and visiting relatives, Hari Raya Haji is quieter, more reflective, and yes – it involves the concept of animal sacrifice, which isn’t the easiest topic to explain when your child is in the middle of eating chicken rice.
So, how do we make this important day come alive for little ones in a way that’s gentle, meaningful and culturally rich?
This guide is here to help!
Start with a Story (Because Kids Love Stories)
Begin with the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ismail – but keep the language simple and direction engaging. You could say:
‘A long time ago, there was a man named Prophet Ibrahim who loved Allah very much. One day, Allah asked him to do something very, very difficult – to give up something he loved most. It was a test to see if he had trust and strong faith.’
This is a great way to introduce the idea of sacrifice without going into gory details.
Focus on the values: loyalty, faith, love, and trust.
If your child is a visual learner, try looking for local Islamic storybooks or even short animated clips on YouTube that explain the story in child-friendly ways.
Explain What Qurban Means with Compassion
Many children may ask, “Are we really killing animals?” or “Why do we have to do this?”
These are normal questions, so try not to let their curiosity trigger you.
Here’s a way to explain it that keeps things respectful:
“During Hari Raya Haji, Muslims around the world help people who don’t have enough food. We remember Prophet Ibrahim’s story and share meat with others to show kindness and care.”
Some parents may involve their kids in choosing which Qurban organisation to donate through, or write thank-you cards to the beneficiaries.
This helps shift the focus from fear or discomfort to giving and gratitude.
Link It Back to Everyday Values
Your child may not fully grasp the concept of faith or obedience, but they understand what it means to share, to wait their turn, or to do something kind even when it’s hard.
Use this opportunity to say things like:
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“Just like Ibrahim trusted Allah, we try to trust that doing the right thing matters.”
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“When we give to others, even a little, it can make someone’s whole day better.”
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“This is a time to reflect, say thank you, and think of those who have less.”
For older kids, you can even connect it to similar values in other festivals they might learn about in school, like giving during Deepavali or charity during Christmas.
Bring the Tradition to Life
Even if you’re not doing the Qurban ritual personally, there are still plenty of ways to make Hari Raya Haji meaningful for your kids.
Here are some localised ideas:
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Visit a mosque together (some offer open houses or family-friendly talks)
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Watch online Qurban ceremonies with your child and explain how it’s done safely and respectfully
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Involve them in preparing a meal using the meat shared from a Qurban organisation, and talk about who it came from
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Create a gratitude jar or reflection card: ‘Today, I’m thankful for…’
You can also walk around your neighbourhood in Geylang Serai or Tampines during the season and talk about how Muslims all over the world are celebrating this day together, even in different ways.
Keep the Conversation Open
Hari Raya Haji is a beautiful reminder that some of the biggest acts of faith come from small moments of understanding.
Kids may not get everything right away, and that’s okay.
What matters is that you’ve planted the seeds of compassion, sacrifice, and gratitude.
And who knows? A few years from now, when they reflect on these early conversations, they might just remember that one quiet Hari Raya morning when you sat down to explain the story – not with fear or triggers, but with love.
Mamahood wishes you and yours a blessed Hari Raya Haji with love!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Mamahood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and parenting advice, stay tuned to Mamahood Singapore!