Parenting Perspective 

During periods like Eid, advertising becomes much more intense. It targets families with the message that celebration is synonymous with buying new clothes, gifts, and other luxury items. For a child, this can create the impression that joy and social acceptance are directly linked to how much they spend or receive. This can pressure them to spend their Eidi unwisely, constantly ask for more, or feel their celebration is lacking without certain purchases. 

Creating Unrealistic Expectations 

When children are exposed to adverts filled with lavish decorations and expensive gifts, they may feel that their own family’s celebration is inadequate by comparison. This encourages them to value materialism over the true spirit of Eid, which is founded on gratitude, family connection, and worship. 

Fostering Impulsive Spending Habits 

Holiday advertising often encourages children to spend their money quickly rather than save it. Limited-time offers and eye-catching discounts create a false sense of urgency. Over time, this behaviour weakens patience and financial discipline, leading to the development of impulsive spending habits. 

Causing Strain on Family Values 

If children begin to measure the happiness of Eid only by what they acquire, they may overlook the importance of giving, kindness, and prayer. Parents may also find themselves in conflict with their children when they are unable to meet the ever-increasing demands shaped by advertisers. 

Guiding Children Through Holiday Consumerism 

Parents can help their children navigate this pressure with practical guidance. 

• Discuss the true meaning of Eid as a time for gratitude and sharing with others. 

• Encourage children to divide their Eidi into three portions: one for saving, one for spending, and one for charity. 

• Focus on creating joyful family traditions, such as visiting relatives or baking together, that do not centre around shopping. 

These steps teach children that the joy of Eid comes from balance and connection, not from excess. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, Eid is a time for worship, family connection, and generosity, not for extravagance. The overspending encouraged by advertising directly contradicts the core values of moderation and gratitude that Allah Almighty commands His servants to uphold. 

The Command for Moderation in Spending 

The Quran praises those who adopt a balanced and sensible approach to their finances, avoiding both wastefulness and stinginess. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 67: 

‘And it is those people that do not spend extravagantly, nor miserly; and (act in such a way) that is a balanced format between these two (extreme characteristics).‘ 

This verse establishes that balance in spending is a virtuous characteristic of a true believer. 

Prophetic Guidance on Avoiding Extravagance 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that while enjoying the blessings of Allah is permissible, it must be done without pride or excess. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3605, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Eat, drink, give charity, and wear clothes, but without extravagance or pride.’ 

This hadith provides a clear and simple rule for Muslims: enjoy life’s provisions but avoid both wastefulness and arrogance. 

Nurturing True Holiday Joy Through Faith 

By teaching moderation and linking the celebration of Eid to acts of kindness and worship, parents can protect their children from consumer pressures. This helps them understand that Eid is a time of spiritual gratitude and generosity, where happiness is measured by one’s nearness to Allah and the love shared within the family, not by the number of gifts bought or received.