During Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, there’s a special tradition that shines bright: giving duit Raya. It’s a longstanding custom in Malay culture where people give money to kids and loved ones to spread goodwill and blessings.
Regardless of the amount, duit Raya is all about showing gratitude and appreciation, capturing the joyful vibe of the festive season. It’s worth mentioning that while duit Raya is culturally significant, it’s not mandatory and isn’t tied to religious obligations.
‘Do not belittle anyone’s gift’
In a recent Facebook post, the Negeri Sembilan State Mufti Department talked about why giving duit Raya is important. They said it’s all about spreading joy and gratitude.
They also mentioned how every gift, no matter how small, is valuable. Plus, they emphasised the importance of strengthening family bonds during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The post underlined a key principle derived from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW, urging individuals not to belittle any gift, even if it may seem modest, as every gesture of kindness holds value in Islam.
“Do not belittle your neighbour’s gift, even if it’s just a firsin (a small part of a goat’s front ankle or a part of the bone with less flesh).”
This hadith emphasises that we should not demean gifts or offerings from our neighbours, even if they are as small as a “firsin,” which is the lower part of the ankle of a sheep. Another interpretation suggests that “firsin” refers to a bone with little flesh.
We should not disdain any amount of duit Raya given by our hosts
Considering this in the context of Eid-ul-Fitr, we should not disdain any amount of duit Raya given by our hosts. This contradicts the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who forbade us from looking down upon any gift from anyone.
In another hadith also narrated by al-Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“If I were invited to eat the foreleg or shin (of a goat or similar), I would accept the invitation. If the foreleg or shin is given to me as a gift, I would accept it.”
The mufti department’s message serves as a straightforward yet crucial reminder: in Islam, displaying generosity and kindness holds profound significance. Giving duit Raya isn’t just about money; it’s about sharing blessings and goodwill with the people we care about – our family, friends, and neighbours.
The department concluded, “May the practice of visiting and sharing gifts strengthen our bonds of kinship and generosity, rather than exacerbate disputes among us.”
