Parenting Perspective 

When children begin to beg for expensive gadgets during Eid, the celebration is at risk of being reduced to an occasion for material gain, rather than a time for spiritual joy and family bonding. Instead of associating Eid with prayer, charity, and togetherness, children may start to see it primarily as an opportunity to demand and receive expensive gifts. 

Shifting the True Meaning of Eid 

The persistent demand for high-value items can overshadow the spiritual significance of the day. The focus moves from thanking Allah for the blessings of Ramadan to acquiring the latest technology, which can weaken a child’s connection to the real purpose of the celebration. 

Creating Pressure on Parents 

This insistence on expensive gadgets creates significant pressure on parents, particularly if their finances are limited. They may feel torn between the desire to make their children happy and the need to maintain financial stability. This can lead to stress, guilt, or even resentment within the family. 

The Harm to a Child’s Emotional Growth 

Children who learn to equate the happiness of Eid with expensive gadgets can develop impatience and a sense of entitlement. If their demands are not met, they may feel deprived or unloved, which damages their emotional resilience. This behaviour weakens their ability to find joy in simple blessings and shifts their focus away from gratitude. 

The Long-Term Consequences 

This mindset can have lasting effects. 

• A Materialistic Worldview: Children may grow up measuring success and happiness by their possessions. 

• Weakened Gratitude: Their sense of contentment can become tied to purchases instead of to their faith or family. 

• Strained Relationships: Eid gatherings can feel overshadowed by disappointment if material desires are not fulfilled. 

Parental Strategies to Redirect Focus 

Parents can manage these demands with a clear and loving approach. 

• Set clear boundaries about gifts before Eid, explaining that joy comes from worship and togetherness. 

• Offer meaningful alternatives, such as smaller, thoughtful presents or shared family experiences. 

• Emphasise family traditions, like preparing Eid meals together, visiting relatives, and giving charity. 

• Teach children that Eid is about sharing with the less fortunate, not about competing over possessions. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that Eid is a day of shukr (gratitude) to Allah for the blessings of Ramadan. When the focus shifts to demanding expensive gifts, it undermines the very essence of the celebration, replacing thankfulness with a sense of entitlement and worldly desire. 

A Quranic Reminder on Gratitude 

The Quran teaches that true increase in blessings comes from being grateful, not from demanding more. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ibraheem (14), Verse 7: 

‘ And (remember) when your Sustainer made this declaration; (saying that): “If you show gratitude, I (Allah Almighty) will indeed, amplify them for you (provisions and sustenance); however, if you become ungrateful, then indeed, My punishment is Meticulous (in execution)”.‘ 

This verse shows that true abundance comes through gratitude, not through excess. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Moderation 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned against the destructive nature of unchecked desire, showing how greed can corrupt a person’s heart. 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, Hadith 483, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Beware of greed, for indeed it destroyed those who came before you. It led them to shed blood and make lawful what was unlawful.’ 

This hadith serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of allowing greed to take root. 

By grounding children in gratitude and moderation, parents can preserve the sanctity of Eid. Children can learn that true joy is found in prayer, love, and generosity, and that gadgets or gifts are only a small part of the celebration, never its essence.