If you haven’t been listening to the radio or been on TikTok lately then you might have missed this year’s Raya trend. “Alamak Raya Lagi” by Malaysian group De Fam has gone viral ever since it was released back in March. The earworm has started a TikTok dance challenge where many including celebrities have joined in on the fun.
The trend blew up and has even gone international as K-pop idol group TRI.BE and Japanese dance crew Avantgardey performed their own versions of the challenge. While many seemed to think the song is just harmless fun, an Islamic Jurist considers it as Haram. Here’s why:
For a better understanding of the situation, the “Alamak Raya Lagi” TikTok dance challenge requires at least 3 individuals to lip-sync to the words “Alamak” before dancing or flamboyantly walking forward during the chorus before dancing together as a group. It seems innocent enough but apparently, there may be more to it.
According to Terengganu’s Islamic jurist or Mufti, Datuk Dr Mohamad Sabri Harun, the song could lead to sin and would be considered haram if it encourages people, especially women to expose their aurat and lower their dignity. He added the trend could also be degrading for the Raya celebrations as it is a religious occasion. “Any negative act will definitely pollute the harmony of the Eid celebration itself,” he told Sinar Harian.
In addition to the statement, he also expressed disappointment that the Muslim community would be willing to follow any trend blindly without thinking of the consequences. While some religious public figures and netizens disagreed with the song and its supposed negative implications, local celebs argued that people shouldn’t look so much into it.
@501awani ‘Lagu saya lagi tak masuk akal, lagu De Fam sangat bijak’ – @ainaabdul20 #AWANInews
Actress Fasha Sandha responded to criticism, saying that people should enjoy life as they please. Singer Aina Abdul also came to De Fam’s defence by advising listeners to loosen up. As for De Fam themselves, the group has previously spoken up about the backlash they’ve received, clarifying that the song and its choices of words are not meant to be taken too seriously.
“The song’s message is a light-hearted one where we act surprise at the early arrival of Hari Raya,” said member Cik Manggis. What do you think about this whole issue? Is the song too controversial or are some people simply overthinking things?
While you ponder, check out the original “Alamak Raya Lagi” challenge and its variations:
@defamofficial Alamak… DANCE CHALLENGE dah sampai!! Awak mintak, kita bagi. Dah bagi jangan tak buat pulak.. 🙊#AlamakRayaLagiChallenge #AlamakRayaLagi #DeFam #ForYou #ForYouPage
@tribedaloca Alamak! We’re late! Rak lu pape roger!! Is this how you do it?? 🏃 #트라이비 #TRI_BE #AlamakRayaLagi #AlamakRayaLagiChallenge #SelamatHariRaya #Raya2024 #KongsiBersama @De Fam @Sophialiana @cikmanggis @Azira Shafinaz
@nurfashasandha Alamakkk alamakk alamakkk @AlfaroMall @Farooq
@astrogempak Fuhh lagu #AlamakRayaLagi dah sampai Jepun. Siap buat video guna lagu ni 🙌 🎥 ( nona_avantgardey ) #MasaAnugerahTerindah #LawakRingan #ZonLawak #sembangentertainment
Sources: Sinar Harian, NST, OhBulan, AstroAwani
