“Don’t lose your manners” – M’sian Preacher Urges Muslims to Stop ‘Shameless’ Duit Raya Dance Trend

While keeping up with social media trends can be entertaining, not all of them align with proper etiquette.

Malaysian preacher, Ustazah Asma’ Harun, recently shared her concerns regarding a popular TikTok trend. With the Hari Raya festivities approaching, many social media users are eager not only to receive duit raya (green money packets) but also to perform dances while doing so.

This trend is not a new phenomenon; it has been surfacing for several years. However, Ustazah Asma’ is urging the public to exercise restraint.

“Be grateful for it, but do not lose your manners”

In a Facebook post today (12 March), Ustazah Asma’ reminded the Muslim community to avoid this trend during the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations. In her view, the act reflects a lack of decorum and a loss of one’s sense of shame.

She highlighted that the focus should remain on gratitude. “Whether old or young, you lose your manners and sense of shame when dancing for duit raya,” she noted.

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Instead, she advised: “Shake the hands of the giver, say thank you, and be grateful for the sustenance that the Almighty has provided.”

Religious perspective on the trend

Religious authorities have previously weighed in on this issue. When the trend peaked last year, the Mufti of Terengganu, Datuk Dr Mohamad Sabri Harun, urged Muslims to stop following the trend, citing it as culturally inappropriate.

He further stated that dancing before receiving duit raya could be considered haram (forbidden), particularly if done excessively.

“If the act exposes a woman’s aurat (parts of the body that must be covered), then it is haram,” he explained.

Ustazah Asma’ echoed these sentiments, adding that such trends should be discontinued rather than normalised within society.

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