Registration for Hari Raya Haji korban ritual open at 51 mosques
Registration for the annual Hari Raya Haji ritual of korban opened yesterday, with distribution to be carried out until mid-August.
The ritual involves slaughtering livestock and distributing the meat to worshippers and the needy.
Hari Raya Haji falls on July 20.
For the second year running, mosques will arrange for sheep to be sacrificed in Australia and their meat to be transported here. This is due to the ongoing community transmission of Covid-19.
A total of 51 mosques - up from 42 last year - will offer their services to facilitate the modified ritual, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) in a statement yesterday.
Each mosque will provide up to 120 sheep, priced between $320 and $370 each.
Registration closes on July 13. Those who wish to perform korban may register at the websites of participating mosques and make payment directly.
To comply with safe management measures, walk-in registrations are available only by appointment. Successful applicants will receive their chilled and pre-packed meat from July 24.
The meat will first be chilled in Australia and then transported to Singapore. High hygiene standards will be observed and there will be staggered distribution and collection slots.
DISTRIBUTION
A portion of the meat will also be distributed to Muis' zakat, or alms giving, beneficiaries.
For distribution to the poor and needy, mosques will facilitate contactless deliveries.
"Korban is an act of compassionate giving by sharing meat with the less fortunate, especially in view of the current economic challenges," said Muis.
This year, Muis will extend distribution to mid-August to "keep the korban spirit alive and connect with families affected economically by the Covid-19 pandemic".
The full list of mosques offering modified korban this year can be accessed at go.gov.sg/korban2021 - THE STRAITS TIMES
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