Giving ‘duit raya’ is permissible in Islam

KUALA LUMPUR - The practice of giving 'duit raya' (giving money) to family members and neighbours who come to visit during the first day of Syawal is permissible (harus).

This is synonymous with the Islamic teachings of giving and receiving through joy, strengthening brotherhood and the custom of visiting one another.

It is the view of the Federal Territory Mufti Office (PMWP) which referred back to the explanation on the current issues in the Al-Kafi li al-Fatawi section published on its official website in June 2017.

The explanation on the matter was shared through the agency’s official Facebook page on Thursday.

This was to answer the question on whether there was an element of ‘tasyabbuh’ (imitating something whether it is apparent or spiritual) in giving ‘duit raya’ with angpao giving by the Chinese community.

According to PMWP, the concept of giving 'duit raya' to parents, relatives and children was in line with the act of sadaqah (giving) in Islam.

It was also explained that there were three types of rewards earned through the act namely the reward of doing good deeds to parents, the reward of strengthening brotherhood and the reward for the act of sadaqah.

However, giving 'duit raya' must not be done with takalluf (burdening one's self) by giving a big amount.

Those who receive 'duit raya' should be thankful with whatever amount they received and pray for the ones who gave them the money.

Besides that, in giving 'duit raya' priority should be given to the poor and those in need.