How Much Money To Give For Eid: The Complete Guide To Eidiyah
The custom of giving money to children — also known as Eidiyah or Eidi — is an important part of Eid celebrations around the world. The tradition is believed to date back to the Middle Ages, and has evolved into older members of a family or community offering money or gifts to the younger generation.
If your children, nieces, nephews or grandchildren are now old enough to receive their first Eidiyah, or you’re not sure how much money to give for Eid, here’s everything you need to know about this Muslim tradition.
Why do we give money to children for Eid?
The word Eidiyah is a mixture of the words “Eid” and “hadiyah,” essentially translating as Eid gifts. However, Muslims around the world know this tradition by different names, including salami and green envelopes.
Eidiyah is believed to derive from a custom started by the Fatimid Caliphate in the 10th century AD. Caliphs gave older and younger members of society food, clothes, money, or other gifts to mark the first day of Eid.
As with all traditions, Eidiyah has evolved. There are differences in the way every family, community, and country celebrates Eid. In Egypt, Pakistan, and the Philippines, Eidiyah is a common way to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. However, in other communities, Eidiyah is not customary.
In some families, it is acceptable to offer gifts besides money. Others prefer to give cash only, seeing it as a way to teach children the value of money.
Read: How to build generational wealth for your family.
How much money should you give for Eid?
There’s no set amount of money you should give for Eidiyah. It depends on lots of factors, such as how many children you need to give Eidi to, the traditions of your community or family, how close you are to the children, and how much you can afford to give.
Parents in the UK typically give Eidiyah gifts ranging anywhere from £20-£100 per child. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other adult relatives or neighbours may also choose to give Eidi, usually around £10-£50 per child.
It’s acceptable to give different amounts of money depending on a child’s age. However, it’s generally agreed that if you give Eidi, you should give it to all the children in your family or community.
What can you give as an alternative to money?
If you’re still not sure of the best way to give money for Eidiyah, there are many alternative gifts you can offer. These include:
- Clothes and shoes
- Electronics and gadgets
- Books
- Toys
- Cards
- Cosmetics
Do all Muslims accept Eidiyah?
Eidiyah is considered good custom that brings joy to Muslims. Whether they're old or young, it is something that is encouraged in Islam. However, not all Muslims accept Eidiyah. Some people believe the festival has become commercialised, leading them to limiting or giving up Eidi. Sometimes gifting money to children is simply not part of the tradition. In other families, Eidiyah is given as a reward for finishing Ramadan. Read more about the importance of Ramadan and Eid.
If you’re unsure whether it’s appropriate to give Eidiyah, ask the child’s parents or guardians.
How to send money to relatives and friends for Eid
Traditionally, Eidiyah consists of fresh unused banknotes given in a money wallet or envelope. This practice is still widely used — and many children love the feeling of those crisp banknotes.
However, carrying cash is not the most secure way to give money. You can use bank transfers, PayPal, or wire transfers to make sure your money arrives safely. These methods are generally considered halal, so if you’re looking for a safer way to send Eidiyah, this is a good place to start.
Learn more about Sharia-compliant savings accounts, community finance, and money safety in the Bloom Learning Hub.
Looking for other holiday saving ideas? See how to save for Christmas 2023.