One Instagram user posted during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri weekend about the miserliness of people who gave out $5 in the green packets got netizens up in arms about the real meaning of the holiday.
Facebook user Risha Chubs took a screenshot of the original IG post, which said,
“Let me just say…….
People who sell give $2/$4/$5 green packets, y’all need to rethink that choice.
In this age and time, what can those kids actually do with that??? Your justification that during ‘your time’ people give like that is okay la, but right now, that’s just not being nice. It’s a once in a year affair, show some sport and at least et the kid have something to enjoy la.
Let that amount in the green packet be sick not basic.”
Ms. Chubs’ comment on the post was
“Nonsense, for those celebrating, please know that it’s not an obligation to hand out packets of money in the first place, it’s just a tradition. And give according to your financial capabilities, as long as you do it with sincerity. For those who can’t or don’t feel like it, don’t fret it, just enjoy the raya gathering. Jeez.”
The post went unexpectedly viral, with many netizens sharing her feelings, and resulted in the post getting shared more than 1800 times.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri signals the end of Ramadan and is celebrated by Muslims all over the globe, and in Singapore, is marked by festive gatherings of friends and family. It really is all about relationships and strengthening bonds with one another.
It is traditional for older ones to gift youngsters with green packets containing a gift of money, with the amount depending on the giver’s choice and financial means.
People responded angrily on Ms. Chubs’ post, and demanded that the identity of the original poster be revealed.
The majority of the commenters chided the IG poster for being ungrateful
Ms. Chubs later said that the point is not to expose the poster’s identity to shame him or her, but for Muslims to teach their children what Hari Raya Aidilfitri is all about.