Hari Raya Haji 2026, 2027
Hari Raya Haji, also known as Hari Raya Aidiladha or Eid al-Adha, is one of the most important religious observances for Muslims in Malaysia. The festival commemorates the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and emphasises values of sacrifice, faith, and compassion. Observed annually, Hari Raya Haji is closely associated with the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah and is a key date in Malaysia’s religious and public holiday calendar.
Hari Raya Haji is observed as a public holiday throughout Malaysia.
In 2026, Hari Raya Haji falls on 27 May, Wednesday, while in 2027 it falls on 17 May, Monday.
Current and Upcoming Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States | Type | Long Weekend | Observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 May | Wed | Hari Raya Haji | National | Federal | - | - |
| 2026 | 28 May | Thu | Hari Raya Haji Day-2 | Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu | State | - | - |
| 2027 | 17 May | Mon | Hari Raya Haji | National | Federal | Yes | - |
| 2027 | 18 May | Tue | Hari Raya Haji Holiday | Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu | State | - | Yes |
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States | Type | Long Weekend | Observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 Jun | Mon | Hari Raya Haji | National | Federal | Yes | - |
| 2024 | 18 Jun | Tue | Hari Raya Haji Day-2 | Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu | State | Yes | - |
| 2025 | 7 Jun | Sat | Hari Raya Haji | National | Federal | Yes | - |
| 2025 | 8 Jun | Sun | Hari Raya Haji Day-2 | Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu | State | Yes | - |
| 2025 | 9 Jun | Mon | Hari Raya Haji Holiday | Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu | State | Yes | Yes |
In 2026, Hari Raya Haji falls on a date determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, based on the sighting of the new moon that marks the beginning of Zulhijjah. As with other Islamic observances, the exact Gregorian date may vary and is officially confirmed closer to the event.
Is Hari Raya Haji a Public Holiday in Malaysia?
Yes. Hari Raya Haji is observed as a nationwide public holiday in Malaysia. The first day of Hari Raya Haji is officially recognised as a public holiday across all states and federal territories.
In some states, an additional public holiday may be observed on the second day, depending on state-level decisions and gazetted holiday lists. On the public holiday, government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed, while essential services and certain sectors may continue operating.
Because observance details can differ by state, it is advisable to check state-specific public holiday calendars for 2026.
The Meaning and Significance of Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, a test of faith that was ultimately replaced with the sacrifice of an animal. This story forms the foundation of the ibadah korban (ritual sacrifice) performed during the festival.
The observance highlights values such as selflessness, gratitude, generosity, and social responsibility. Meat from the korban is distributed to family members, neighbours, and those in need, reinforcing the importance of charity and community support.
Hari Raya Haji also coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage, making it a spiritually significant time for Muslims worldwide.
How Hari Raya Haji Is Observed in Malaysia
In Malaysia, Hari Raya Haji begins with special congregational prayers held at mosques and prayer grounds on the morning of the festival. This is followed by the performance of korban, usually organised by mosques, community groups, or individual households.
Compared to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, celebrations for Hari Raya Haji are generally more modest and reflective. Families may still gather for meals and visits, but the focus remains on religious observance, sacrifice, and helping those in need.
In rural areas and smaller communities, communal participation in korban activities plays a central role in strengthening social bonds.
Work Arrangements and Public Holiday Practices
When Hari Raya Haji falls on a weekday, the public holiday is observed on the gazetted date. If it coincides with a weekend, replacement holiday arrangements may be applied in accordance with official guidelines.
Employees working in essential services, retail, agriculture, and hospitality sectors may still be required to work, subject to employer policies and applicable labour regulations. Alternative rest days or compensation may apply depending on employment terms.
Why Hari Raya Haji Matters for Planning
As a nationwide public holiday, Hari Raya Haji can affect school schedules, government services, travel plans, and business operations throughout Malaysia. While travel demand is generally lower than during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, certain regions may still experience increased activity around the holiday period.
Knowing the confirmed Hari Raya Haji dates for 2026 helps individuals and organisations plan religious activities, work commitments, and travel more effectively.
Because the date depends on moon sighting and official announcements, it is recommended to refer to official public holiday listings and announcements for 2026 and Public Holidays Malaysia for 2026, or refer to the School Holidays Malaysia for 2026 to ensure accuracy.