Why using children’s duit raya is forbidden, Islamic preacher explains

IT is commonly known that it is haram (forbidden) for parents to use their children's duit raya (donations or alms on Hari Raya) even if the purpose is to buy food or other necessities for the children.

This is because it is the father's responsibility to provide for his children's needs using his own money.

Still, many parents quietly dip into their children’s duit raya, often citing financial struggles after overspending during Ramadan and Hari Raya celebration.

Independent preacher Azhar Idrus said nowadays, many parents create their own rules and end up using their children’s duit raya.

Photo for illustration purposes only. - CANVA

"Remember, a child's money is the child's property. (The same applies to) a mother's money, which is her property. Don’t think that just because you are a mother (or a father), you can use your child's money. This is not the teaching of Islam.

"(Property) belongs to the child. It is forbidden for a child to steal from their mother, just as it is forbidden for the mother to steal from the child. It is forbidden for a child to steal from the father and the father is also forbidden from stealing from the child. It is forbidden for a husband to steal from his wife and the wife is also forbidden from stealing from her husband," he said in a post on Facebook.

He said even if children allow their parents to use their duit raya, it is still not permissible, as it is not valid in Islam if the children have not yet reached puberty (baligh).

"Therefore, when there is a death, do not use the deceased’s money for the purpose of a tahlil if they still have orphaned children.

"This is because the ruling on holding a tahlil gathering is only permissible," he said.

He further emphasised that Muslims should adhere to this ruling and not question it.

"Do you know what a Muslim is? A Muslim is someone who submits to the laws of religion," he added.