Typically, Muslims shake hands and express forgiveness or gratitude before receiving Duit Raya. However, times have changed, and it seems there are now more ways than one to receive Duit Raya.
In this case, a recent trend on TikTok shows Malaysians dancing before receiving Duit Raya from the elderly. Terengganu Mufti, Datuk Dr Mohamad Sabri Harun, is not happy with the ongoing trend that is dominating social media, and recently expressed his remorse in seeing more Muslims duplicating the act.
According to Sabri, the act of dancing before receiving Duit Raya can be considered haram, especially when done excessively
Explaining further to Sinar Harian, Sabri said that the act can degrade women when it exposes their aurat (body parts that have to be covered). In Islam, Muslim women are required to cover their aurat, except for their hands and faces.
“If done excessively to the extent of exposing the women’s aurat, of course, it is Haram,” Sabri said.
However, it is not just about exposing the parts that should be covered. Sabri said the act of dancing for Duit Raya can fall into the Haram category if the dance movements imitate those that resemble other cultures and religions.
Sabri added that dancing for money during Raya has never been part of Muslim culture, and highlighted that Muslims have always shaken hands with each other while extending apologies before receiving and giving out Duit Raya.
“Even if the dance does not imitate those of other cultures or religions, there is no need for a dance.”
“It seems immoral and the value in our cultures may disappear if this trend continues.”
Malaysian Muslim preacher, Ustazah Asma’ Harun, recently also took to her Facebook account and voiced out against the dancing trend, calling all Muslims NOT to normalise the trend which many people are duplicating.
This shall serve as a reference and a reminder to our Muslim friends.
