The Virtue of Giving Gifts
A person receives reward for giving gifts because it is an act of kindness, and Allah Almighty loves those who do good. Moreover, it is also a means of affection and love, and anything that fosters affection and love among Muslims is legally desirable.
For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Give gifts to one another, so that love may develop among you.”
Sometimes a gift becomes superior to charity, and sometimes charity is better than a gift. The difference between the two is that the intention behind charity is to earn reward in the Hereafter, whereas through a gift, the aim is to gain closeness and friendship with a person.
Sometimes it happens that your friendship with a certain person is of great benefit to Muslims. For example, if a person is a leader or influential among Muslims, and you give him a gift appropriate to his status and position, this will be a means of winning his love, and then that person will accept your advice, which will bring much good and charity. Especially when a person has a sincere intention, this will not only bring closeness to Allah Almighty but also benefit the needy. Therefore, depending on the circumstances, sometimes a gift is superior to charity, and sometimes charity is better than a gift.
