Khaberni - Experts agree that Eid Al-Fitr gifts go beyond being just a monetary amount to constitute a civilizational phenomenon with deep human dimensions, as from the legal perspective, it is considered an embodiment of the spirit of solidarity and familial ties, and a practice that aligns with the objectives of Sharia in bringing joy to hearts, provided it remains within the limits of one's means and away from extravagance or boasting.
Socially, it represents a form of symbolic exchange that enhances a child's sense of belonging to his family, with a warning against turning it into a tool for class comparison or economic pressure that strips it of its value. Educationally, the Eid gift serves as a live laboratory for building financial awareness, as it gives the child an opportunity to transition from being a passive consumer to a responsible decision-maker practicing savings and planning skills, which enhances values, refines personality, and supports social cohesion, as confirmed in statements to the Jordanian News Agency (Petra).
From a legal perspective, Sharia Judge Dr. Tariq Abu Tayeh said that the Eid gift is one of the most beautiful social customs that embody the spirit of solidarity and love, renewing the meanings of joy and compassion among people during Eid days, through offering small monetary gifts to relatives and children in a manner that reflects care and affection.
Abu Tayeh explained that the Eid gift, although not a mandatory legal obligation, is one of the good customs that aligns with the purposes of Islamic Sharia in spreading affection and bringing joy to hearts, and falls under the acts of kindness and righteousness that strengthen social relationships and mend spirits.
He cited in this context the noble hadith: "The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people, and the most beloved deeds to Allah, the Almighty and Glorious, is joy you bring to a Muslim," indicating that this text highlights the immense reward for any act that brings happiness to others, even if it is as simple as an Eid gift.
Abu Tayeh clarified that the value of the Eid gift lies in its moral impact before its material one, as it plants beautiful memories in children’s hearts and strengthens the bonds of kinship and affection among family members, in addition to its role in cementing the values of generosity and giving, and in applying the concept of familial bonding that Islam associates with blessings in livelihood and life.
He called for observing some guidelines to keep this tradition within its positive framework, such as ensuring it is within one's means without extravagance or ostentation, and that it is given in a gracious spirit free from obligation or boastfulness, with a necessity to avoid comparisons that may cause embarrassment among family members.
Abu Tayeh emphasized that the Eid gift remains a tradition that carries a deep legal and human dimension, as it is not just a monetary sum but a message of love demonstrating that the simplest actions can be the most impactful when accompanied by a sincere intention to make others happy.
As for the social aspect, Professor of Sociology at the University of Jordan, Dr. Maisa Al-Rawashdeh, argued that the Eid gift carries symbolic and cultural dimensions within the social fabric, as it is one of the forms of symbolic exchange within the family that expresses feelings of acceptance and belonging.
Al-Rawashdeh mentioned that this practice contributes to strengthening bonds among individuals, particularly between adults and children who associate Eid with feelings of joy, care, and appreciation, highlighting its important role in social upbringing through teaching the child basic concepts related to value and property, and handling money, and instilling values of giving and gratitude.
Al-Rawashdeh indicated that this custom has undergone clear transformations in recent years influenced by modern consumption patterns, where it has sometimes been associated with comparisons and boastfulness, which may deprive it of its original symbolic meaning and turn it from a means of enhancing social cohesion to a source of social and economic pressure on some families.
Al-Rawashdeh pointed out that the Eid gift now indirectly reflects class differences among children, calling for directing this custom towards its true essence based on its human dimension and supporting social solidarity, to remain a symbol of love and solidarity away from tools of comparison or display.
Regarding the educational matter, educational expert Dr. Mohannad Al-Qudah indicated that the Eid gift serves as an educational live lab that fosters financial independence in children from an early age, noting its pivotal role in transforming the child from a passive recipient of allowance to an educationally responsible decision-maker.
Al-Qudah emphasized that this approach teaches the child the values of patience and money value appreciation, and the balancing between desires and needs, affirming that these practices polish the child's personality to become more mature and disciplined in facing life’s temptations.
