hoolah | Why Do Muslim Families Distribute Green Packets During Hari Raya Puasa

This year, Hari Raya Puasa falls on May 13, 2021. The festival marks the celebratory end to the Ramadan month of fasting. But compared to last year, when mosques were closed and strict regulations barred gatherings, the religious holiday this year will see some leeway in the midst. Now, places of worships can host up to 250 attendees in zones of 50 people each while social gathering size has increased from five pax to eight.

Related Article: Keeping the Ramadan Spirit Alive Throughout Coronavirus Pandemic

Considering how Hari Raya Puasa (as well as the Ramadan month) is a communal affair, from families breaking fast together to the annual house visitations, Muslim families across the world can expect celebrations today to be closer to what they once were before the pandemic. Hari Raya Puasa is also a day where Muslim families seek reconciliation with one another. “In the morning, we would head to the mosque and pray,” business development manager Mr Zulhilmi Suginin explains. “Younger members of the family would seek forgiveness from the elderly. When we visit others, some of us might distribute or receive green packets.”

Distributing Green Packets

In the spirit of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness, generosity is a virtue commonly practised by many Muslims. They do so by distributing green packets (also known as ‘duit raya’) to the elderly or children in the family. Similar to how the Chinese would put money in auspicious red packets and distribute them during the Chinese New Year, many Muslim families within Southeast Asia would also hand out money in green envelopes.

The colour green was chosen for its association with the Islamic paradise, although these days a myriad of other colours, such as gold, blue and silver, are used as well. The Islamic concept of Zakat, a finance term referring to one’s obligation to donate a portion of his wealth for charitable causes, is demonstrated here.

For Ms Nur’Ashikin, an Admin Manager at a local publishing house, she sees the act of distributing green packet as one that goes beyond charitable causes; for her, handing out green packets to both her elders and the children is a form of consolation and a way to present them with her well-wishes. “For the children, I’d like to think of it as a form of goodwill and blessing to them. For my elders, there are those connotations as well but I think it’s also a way to seek their blessing,” she adds.

The act of handing out green packets can also be seen as a form of gratitude too. Put differently, adults would reward these individuals for their contributions to the family. This is especially encouraging for the younger children, who attempted to fast during the month of Ramadan. Typically, it is those who have yet started work or earning an income that will receive green packets. However, it is worth noting that different families may have different practices.

When Do They Distribute Green Packets?

According to Mr Zulhilmi, there is no fixed rule as to when an individual can distribute green packets as well as the amount to put in. “There’s some flexibility involved,” he says. Some young adults or teenagers may practice handing out green packets with smaller change or notes and when they are fully employed, they may hand out larger sums away.

Ms Ashikin echoes the same ethos. For her, she only started distributing green packets when she was employed full-time. “There is no fixed date to do so,” she explains, before highlighting how it’s the thoughts that count.

That said, it is important to accept a green envelopment respectfully, with both hands.