What is Eidi and do I have to give it?
No, you don't have to give it. Eidi is money or a small gift given on Eid, usually by adults to children, and sometimes to relatives or helpers. It's a lovely cultural custom, not a religious duty. The only required giving connected to Eid al-Fitr is zakat al-fitr, which is a different thing.
What Eidi is
The word comes from "Eid" and is common in South Asian and Middle Eastern families. Other cultures have their own names, such as "Eidiya" in Arabic-speaking homes or "bayram harçlığı" in Turkey.
- Who gives: usually parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
- Who receives: mostly children, but also nieces and nephews, younger siblings, and sometimes spouses or staff.
- What it looks like: crisp new bills in an envelope, a small gift, or even sweets.
Is it sunnah?
There's no specific hadith about Eid money. But giving gifts in general is a beloved practice: Aisha said the Messenger of Allah ﷺ "used to accept gifts and used to give something in return" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2585). Making children happy on Eid fits the spirit of the day, so Eidi is a good deed when you give it with a good intention.
Eidi vs. zakat al-fitr
Don't mix them up:
- Zakat al-fitr: required for every Muslim who can afford it, paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, and given to the poor. See How much is zakat al-fitr and when do I pay it?
- Eidi: optional, for anyone you want to make happy, rich or poor, on either Eid.
Eidi doesn't count as zakat or zakat al-fitr, even if you give it to a child from a poor family.
How much should I give?
There's no set amount. Give what's comfortable for you; nobody should go into debt for Eidi. Some practical ideas:
- Fair and simple: the same amount for kids of similar age avoids hurt feelings.
- Small kids: a few coins or a toy feels huge to them.
- Teens: a little more, or a gift card for something they like.
- Teach generosity: encourage children to give part of their Eidi to charity.
If your own family isn't Muslim, Eidi can be a sweet way to share the day with nieces and nephews. For gifts more broadly, see Can I give my family gifts on Eid instead of Christmas?
- Eidi is Eid money or a gift, mainly for children.
- It's a cultural custom, not an obligation.
- The Prophet ﷺ gave and accepted gifts.
- Eidi is not zakat al-fitr and doesn't replace it.
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Yes, giving Eid money or gifts to non-Muslim kids, like nieces, nephews or neighbors, is allowed and kind. Just don't count it as zakat.
Read the full answer →What food do Muslims eat on Eid?
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Read the full answer →Can I fast on the day of Eid?
No, fasting on Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha isn't allowed. Start Shawwal or make-up fasts the next day, and break a fast if you learn it's Eid.
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