Hari Raya Aidiladha — Festival of Sacrifice
Hari Raya Aidiladha is the Festival of Sacrifice, observed 70 days after Aidilfitri. In Penang, the day begins with prayers at the Kapitan Keling and Masjid Melayu Lebuh Aceh mosques, followed by the qurban ritual.
Hari Raya Aidiladha (Eid al-Adha, or Hari Raya Haji) commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, and falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah — 70 days after Aidilfitri. It coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. In Penang, the day begins with a special Eid prayer at major mosques — the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Masjid Melayu Lebuh Aceh (one of the oldest mosques in Penang, built 1808), and dozens of neighbourhood mosques. The ritual sacrifice (qurban) of cattle or goats takes place after morning prayers; the meat is divided into three parts — for family, neighbours, and the poor. The atmosphere is more devotional and less festive than Aidilfitri, but the open house tradition still operates in many families. In 2026, Hari Raya Aidiladha falls approximately on June 6. The date shifts ~11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
Insider Tips
- 1The Kapitan Keling Mosque on Pitt Street (one of Penang's most beautiful heritage mosques) holds a large Eid congregation — spectators are welcome outside
- 2Masjid Melayu Lebuh Aceh (Acheen Street) is the oldest mosque in Penang (1808) and holds a quieter but historically rich observation
- 3The qurban ritual takes place at mosque compounds after morning prayers — meat distribution to the poor follows
- 4Most businesses in Penang operate normally on Aidiladha (it's less commercially significant than Aidilfitri)
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When
10th Dhul Hijjah (approximately June 6, 2026; shifts ~11 days earlier each year)
↺ Returns every year
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Where
Kapitan Keling Mosque (Pitt Street), Masjid Melayu Lebuh Aceh (Acheen Street), and neighbourhood mosques