Book of Gift (Kitab al-Hibah)
Being Just Among Children
① Sayyiduna Nu’man bin Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: My father gave some of his wealth to me as charity, but my mother, Umrah bint Rawaahah, said, “I will not be pleased until you make the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) a witness to this.” So my father went to the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) to have him witness my charity. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to him:
أفعلت هذا بولدك كلهم
“Have you treated all your children in the same way?”
He replied, “No.” Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
اتقوا الله واعدلوا فى أولادكم
“Fear Allah and be just among your children.”
So my father returned and took back that charity.
Instructions Regarding Accepting Gifts
① Sayyida Aisha رضي الله عنها narrates that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to accept gifts and would also give something in return.
② Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
لو أهدي إلى كراع لقبلت، ولو دعيت عليه لأجبت
If a goat is given to me as a gift, I will accept it, and if I am invited to a meal, I will accept the invitation.
③ Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه states that when Khosrow sent a gift to the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, he accepted it. And several kings sent gifts to the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, and he accepted the gifts sent on their behalf.
Commands Regarding Giving Return Gifts
① Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما narrates, the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
من استعاذ بالله فأعيذوه، ومن سأل بالله فأعطوه، ومن دعاكم فأجيبوه، ومن صنع إليكم معروفا فكافئوه، فإن لم تجدوا ما تكافئونه فادعوا له حتى تروا أنكم قد كافأتموه
Whoever seeks refuge in the name of Allah, grant him refuge; whoever asks in the name of Allah, give to him; whoever invites you, accept the invitation; and whoever does good to you, repay him with good. If you do not find anything to repay him, then pray for him so much that you become certain that you have repaid him.
② Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه narrates, the king of Dhū Yazān sent a gift of a red pair to the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, and he accepted it. And the gifts sent to the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم were also purchased by him.
Instructions Regarding Gifts (Presents)
① It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
تهادوا فإن الهدية تذهب بوحر الصدر، ولا تحقرن جارة لجارتها ولو شق فرسن شاة
Exchange gifts among yourselves, for gifts remove animosity from the heart. No neighbor should consider giving a gift to her neighbor insignificant, even if it is just a small portion of a goat’s leg.
② Sayyida Aisha رضي الله عنها states that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to accept gifts and would give their full equivalent in return.
③ Sayyida Aisha رضي الله عنها says: I asked, O Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم! I have two neighbors; to which one should I give a gift? You صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
إلى أقربهما منك بابا
To the one whose house is closer to you.
④ It is narrated from Ata Khorasani that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
تصافحوا يذهب الغل، وتهادوا تحابوا وتذهب الشحناء
Shake hands with one another; it removes animosity. Exchange gifts among yourselves; this will create love and remove resentment.
