Islamic Ruling and Etiquette on Returning a Gift
✒ Fatwa by the Saudi Permanent Committee for Islamic Rulings
Fatwa No: 14379
❖ Returning a Gift and Its Etiquette
✔ It is recommended (mustaḥabb) for the one who receives a gift to return something equal to it or better as a gesture of goodwill.
✔ However, it is not obligatory (wājib) to return a gift with something of equal value.
🌿 Islamic etiquette encourages:
- The giver to offer the gift solely for the sake of Allah, without expecting anything in return.
- The receiver to express gratitude and optionally reciprocate, but not out of obligation.
📌 The true reward of giving a gift is to be sought from Allah, not from people.
❀ Summary:
- Reciprocating a gift is preferred, but not required.
- Intention matters: one should give gifts hoping for divine reward, not worldly return.
- Returning a gift with appreciation and supplication is also a noble practice.
🖋 Reference:
Fatāwā al-Lajnah ad-Dā’imah – Fatwa No. 14379
