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Duit Raya Tradition Is Evolving, For Better And For Worse

Duit Raya Tradition Is Evolving, For Better And For Worse

From green packets to QR codes, duit Raya is a beloved tradition during the festive season.

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Duit Raya is a tradition where adults give money to children as a gift during Aidilfitri, which marks the end of Ramadan.

The amount of duit raya given can vary depending on a few factors, such as the child’s age and the giver’s financial ability.

Are RM1 and RM2 enough? Or is it that nowadays, RM5 or RM10 is more acceptable for ‘duit Raya’?

If you give too little, what will the relatives say? 

Recently, a netizen shared how he took back the duit Raya given out after hearing a kid complain it was too little.

His sharing caught the attention of netizens.

Many feel the spirit of duit Raya is indeed lost among the younger generation.

The International Women’s Alliance for Family Institution and Quality Education (WAFIQ) said the culture of giving duit raya to children could be beneficial if it’s managed by parents properly.

WAFIQ president Dr Rafidah Hanim Mokhtar said the philosophy behind the practice needs to be properly explained to the children.

Duit raya is one thing that children look forward to; in fact, there are many occasions where children would prefer duit raya more than kuih raya/rendang as they have had enough food after visiting multiple houses.

WAFIQ president Associate Professor Dr Rafidah Hanim Mokhtar to TRP on duit raya symbolising the close connection between adults and children which goes beyond family ties.

The Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (Mapim) said educating children about Raya money is not the main thing; what is important is the Ramadan and Raya journey.

Its president, Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, said young people are advised not to have a target culture of collecting raya money and comparing the giving of raya money.

Society should not continue to make duit raya a necessity. Focus on love and friendship in the celebration of Eid.

Mapim president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid to TRP on the spirit of duit raya which reflects the values of charity and compassion that are central to Islam.
MAPIM president Azmi Abdul Hamid visiting schoolchildren during a humanitarian visit to Kashmir, India. (Pix: Mapim)

Meanwhile, netizens have spoken out against people who openly ask for duit raya from random strangers on social media.

They decry the practice of posting one’s e-wallet QR code which seems to have gained much popularity this time.

Some said asking for duit Raya is against Islam, and one should only accept duit Raya when being offered by others willingly.

https://twitter.com/OfficialFadd/status/1649306651693039616
https://twitter.com/aimanbasyir_/status/1649311442498375680

A Gesture Of Goodwill, Love And Care Towards Children

Ultimately, the amount you give for duit raya should reflect your generosity and good wishes for the recipient rather than a strict rule or expectation.

It is given as a token of appreciation and a way of promoting unity and harmony among family members, friends, and the wider community.

Duit Raya is also an opportunity for people to give back to the less fortunate and to contribute to the well-being of others, especially during the festive season.

You should give what you can comfortably afford and what you feel is appropriate based on the circumstances.

In today’s post-pandemic economic situation, people will understand if you give less.

READ MORE: Man Celebrates Raya With RM0.08 A Minute Overtime Pay

READ MORE: Mydin Boss Criticised Over Extra Holiday Remarks, Netizens Spare A Thought For Its Social Media Admin


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