Eid gift

format_quote Originally Posted by glo

I asked this question last year, and I'll ask it again this year.

What's an appropriate gift for a non-Muslim to give at Eid to Muslim neighbours (a mother with two sons, 10 and 12)?

Thanks.

In Malaysia.... We'll give money to the kids... as for the mother... we'll give eid cookies.

In Malaysia there is no such thing as eid gifts

just eid money for the children....

In Malaysia, on eid the things that we usually do is, depart days earlier to hometowns to visit parents (took a few days leave- and usually there will be traffic jam everywhere), on eid itself we wake up early, wear new clothes, eat special prepared food for eid (less eating rice), perform eid salah in masjid, ask forgiveness from our parents and family members, give eid money to the children, visit relatives and ask for forgiveness ...

Colorful `Eid Celebrations Filled with Food and Delicacies in Malaysia

By Kazi Mahmood - Kuala Lumpur

`Eid celebrations in Malaysia is a colorful display of Malay traditional dresses accompanied with lots of food and delicacies prepared for guests who seldom miss the open houses, a very Malaysian custom.

In Malaysia, millions of Muslims will gather early in the morning at mosques for the `Eid prayers wearing their traditional Malay dresses which come in a choice of colors.

Malay males wearing the songkok, a black headgear shaped on the Ali Jinnah cap, shirts and pants that forms part of the “Baju Melayu” or Malay traditional dress which is accompanied by the “kain samping’, a short piece of richly colored cloth wrapped around the hip, would rush to the nearest mosques for the prayers and the khutbah.

Unlike other Muslim countries in Asia and Africa or Arabia, Malaysian Muslims does not practice the traditional Islamic hug, which has become the trademark of Yasser Arafat, the besieged leader of the Palestinians.

Instead, the Malays and other Muslims in this country would shake hands in a very solemn manner and touch their chest in a sign of respect.

It is common for ladies to take part in the `Eid prayers, though not all the ladies would do so. The womenfolk’s would wear a completely white “telekung” or ‘prayer dress’ that covers the body completely leaving only the face to be seen.

Since the `Eid marks the end of the 30 days of fasting and prayers, the Muslims asks for forgiveness when they meet each other exchanging the specific phrase “Maaf Zahir dan Batin” which means “forgive me for all wrong doings”.

On the day of `Eid, Malaysian Muslims organizes what is called “open house”, a local tradition of opening the house to neighbors who lives in the same vicinity.

Muslims, Chinese, Indians and sometimes foreigners too will join in the open houses to have a nice meal, enjoy the local pastries and traditional food.

“`Eid al-Fitr will be a bore without the food, the clothing and the atmosphere of friendship that arise when the people gather,” Moktar Ali said.

Ali will be organizing an open house, inviting some dignitaries of the Indian community and his neighbors for a fiesta of rich food. He will cater for Muslims and non-Muslims, especially vegetarians.

Member of a local Non-Government Organization (NGO) and a part time publisher Ali make it a must to hold the open house and invite as much people as possible for the meal.

”This is the spirit of `Eid in Malaysia. As a multicultural nation we show our friendship and we ask everybody to come and drink and eat in our house,” he added.

Food is always a plenty in Malaysia with locals saying, “no one will ever die of hunger in this country” which is on the verge of becoming the first Muslim country with a developed status.

In Malaysia the favorite food for `Eid is made of local dishes such as Ketupat, Rendang, Lemang and Sambal Goreng. Among the pastries there will be Kueh Lapis, cake kukus, cookies and other western cakes. The Ketupat is the Malaysian national food for the `Eid. It is composed of rice cooked in bamboo leaves wrapped into a diamond shape.

Lemang and Rendang are also favorite traditional food in Malaysia. Lemang is rice mixed with coconut milk and cooked in bamboos. Rendang is mostly made of beef cooked in a special mixture.

Children and adults have a real time eating at different houses which they will be visiting in their home towns. The house of the parents will be the focus where the children with their offspring’s will be heading to on the first day of `Eid.

“This is a sign of respect for Muslims. Visit the house of the parent’s first then visit the rest of the family. In our case, it will be a hectic day on the day of `Eid, no less than 30 people including kids will be in my father house for `Eid,” Kamarul Zaman said.

This year, Kamaral has already purchased the traditional `Eid dresses for his family of four kids. He has also painted his house and bought new curtains on the insistence of his wife, a teacher in an elementary school in Kuala Lumpur.

“My kids love to go visiting during the `Eid, they will plan where to go on the first day in order not to miss the money hand out called “Duit Raya” given by parents, grandparents and uncles etc to children on `Eid,” he added.

The “Duit Raya” is carefully folded and inserted in small, colorful envelopes with graphics of the Ketupat or other representations of Islam printed on them.

Ali on his part intends to visit the modern and upcoming capital city of Malaysia, Putra Jaya where the Malaysian Prime Minister Mohamad Mahathir will hold an open house a few days after the `Eid celebrations.

Tens of thousands of people, mostly of non-Muslim faiths enjoys the open house organized by the Prime Minister for the `Eid celebrations, saying their visit is a sign of respect and gratitude towards the leader.

“Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin,” will be the most popular phrase one would hear throughout Malaysia a few days before the `Eid. This will be the favorite phrase uttered by Muslims for a month.

”Raya or `Eid is celebrated on a month long period. Children love to say it covers for the 30 days of fasting and sacrifice,” a grinning Ali said.

source

In Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Eid is also commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya literally means Grand Day i.e. The Day. Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore celebrate Eid like other Muslims throughout the world. It is the biggest holiday in Malaysia, and is the most awaited one. Shopping malls and bazaars are filled with people days ahead of Hari Raya, causing a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country. Many banks, government and private offices are closed for this holiday, which usually lasts a week.

The night before Eid is with the takbir which is held in the mosques or musallas. In many parts of Malaysia, especially in rural areas, oil lamps or pelita/panjut are lit up in house compounds. Eid also witnesses a huge migratory pattern of Muslims, from big metropolitan cities to rural areas. This is known as balik kampung — literally going back to home town to celebrate Eid with ones parents. Special dishes like ketupat, dodol, lemang (a type of glutinous rice cake cooked in bamboo), and other Malay delicacies are served during this day.

It is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya" or "Salam Aidilfitri" which means "Happy Eid". Muslims also greet one another with "maaf zahir dan batin" which means "Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)", due to the fact that Eid ul-Fitr is not only for celebrations, but also the time for Muslims to cleanse their sins and strengthen their ties with relatives and friends.

It is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay costumes on the Eid. The dress for men is called baju melayu which is worn together with songket while the women's are known as baju kurung and baju kebaya. It is also common to see non-Malay Muslims wear costumes of their culture.

Once the prayer is completed, it is also common for Muslims in Malaysia to visit the graves of loved ones. During this visit, they clean the grave, recite Ya-Seen, a chapter (surah) from the Qur'an and also perform the tahlil ceremony. All these are done to ask for God to forgive the dead and also those who are living.

The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors. Eid ul-Fitr is a very joyous day for children for on this day adults are especially generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as "duit raya" from their parents or elders

source

Thanks, you two.
That's what I was told last year: to just give money.

Thing is, I was really uncomfortable doing that. Giving money (to me) seems really impersonal. Also, the family I have in mind, seem to be quite poor, so I feel like giving money would seem like showing off ...

Last year I couldn't bring myself to give money, so in the end I chickened out and gave nothing ...

Equally, I don't know the boys well enough to be able to choose toys or anything ...

How about food? Or sweets?

Thanks

How about a gift voucher Glo? It is more personal than money, and they can choose what they want.

They will most probs give you the food

Erm our non-Muslim neighbours gave us a card last year, i mean even that made us happy 'cause i dint think they'd know about Eid

they're in America now

But a gift usually on Eid day is money, i understand why you might feel uncomfortable, but i'm sure the kids will love it. Sweets will b nice!

lol...glo

actually we only give rm2-5. and i think nm only give the children rm1.

Anyway, thats the way the children do here....collect as much money as they can and keep the money or spend on something that they like.

We don't give them so much because there are alot of children

I would go with gift cards (to toy store or clothes) for the children. And your signature sweets for mom!

Ps3!

Oh you mean for someone OTHER than me? Guess you could just give them money. Twenty of your fine english sterling is sufficient.

^LOL he thinks like me, gud ol chap!

Peace Glo

Honestly, a top up voucher each, and a few gift vouchers, or heck push the boat out, and be the good samaritan you are...hand over your cheque book

Whilst your at it, can you please get me a ticket for the verulamium museum Been a looong time since one was there Your son can refresh my memory on the romans then

pssst a cake or something...mmmm
all the best

money, toys, gift card, sweets, thats wat we usualy
get
I usually get money

This thread seems to be causing a fair amount of fun!
It was a serious question, you know ...!

Thanks for reminding me of the Roman museum, H4run - but we have moved on to WWII this year.

i think the gift card idea is the best along with some sweets...

lol dat would be a good eid gift 4 YOU

Well, since kids buy toys and candies with the money we give them, We give them toys and candies direct. This way, we prevent them from spending a few calories by sparing them the journey to the nearest shop. Instead, they gain more calories with the sweets...urm...not very healthy all that
Do you think they'll like raisins and sugar-free stuff?????:enough!:

S.

format_quote Originally Posted by bewildred

Well, since kids buy toys and candies with the money we give them, We give them toys and candies direct. This way, we prevent them from spending a few calories by sparing them the journey to the nearest shop. Instead, they gain more calories with the sweets...urm...not very healthy all that
Do you think they'll like raisins and sugar-free stuff?????:enough!:

S.

No don't be silly dearest sister, don't lose sleep on this though embarrass

I just had a great idea! [warning, bad things happen when i think]

Buy a donkey! A little one, or even a lil sheep, just imagine the kids 'walking their sheep and donkey' Shepherds in their own town ..

Again a sweet dish wouldnt go a miss...TRIFLE!