KUALA LUMPUR - The practice of giving "duit raya” is synonymous with the Muslim community in Malaysia, especially on Aidilftri.
For Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad, the practice is one of the ways to strengthen brotherhood among Muslims, as well as to help ease the burden of the needy.
Idris said by giving duit raya, regardless to children or adults, the generosity of the giver will be remembered forever.
However, he said Muslims should give priority to giving the "duit raya” to the asnaf (persons eligible to receive tithe) among their relatives, before giving to others.
"This is not only for duit raya, but also when giving alms,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
He also said the reward by Allah also depended on the intention by the givers in giving the alms.
"If the intention is to show off, there is no reward from Allah for the giver,” he added.
This was concurred by Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Dr Luqman Abdullah, who said duit raya can be considered as charity, gift or hibah or even tithe depending on the intention of the giver.
"If the recipient is from the poor, the duit raya can be considered as charity, and if given for a certain occasion, it can be regarded as a gift. Otherwise, it is hibah,” he said.
Meanwhile, Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said the practice of giving duit raya was more of a local culture in Malaysia, although it was also practised in some Arab countries.
"It is not something that contradicts religion because the basis of the Eid is that we do activities that can bring joy, and giving the duit raya brings joy and happiness, both to the giver and recipient.
"In fact, it is a praiseworthy culture because the act contains elements of charity and giving, which is good,” he added.
However, Mohd Asri said if the act is imposed on the giver, like by not giving the duit raya, the person will be threatened or will create misconceptions, then it is bad. - BERNAMA