Written by: Fadilat al-Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Al-Hammad (Hafidhahullah)
Arabic Text:
كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقْبَلُ الْهَدِيَّةَ، وَيُثِيبُ عَلَيْهَا
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to accept gifts and would also give something in return."
[Sahih Bukhari, Al-Hibah wa Fadluha wa al-Tahridh 'Alayha: 2585]
A gift is a form of offering given to bring joy to someone and to express affection or a bond of goodwill. However, it should be given with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure.
❖ The Virtue of Giving Gifts:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Exchange gifts with one another, as it removes resentment from the hearts."
[Tirmidhi, Al-Wala’: 2130]
Undoubtedly, fulfilling the ethics of good character requires such practices, but unfortunately, this noble Sunnah has become rare in our times.
❖ Gratitude for Gifts:
It is essential to express gratitude to the gift-giver. As the Prophet ﷺ mentioned:
"Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah."
[Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 2, Pg. 258]
❖ Prohibition of Taking Back Gifts:
It is important to remember that taking back a gift once given is highly discouraged. The Prophet ﷺ likened such behavior to:
"A person who gives a gift and then takes it back is like a dog that eats something, vomits it, and then licks it back."
[Abu Dawood, Al-Buyoo’: 3539]
Arabic Text:
كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقْبَلُ الْهَدِيَّةَ، وَيُثِيبُ عَلَيْهَا
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to accept gifts and would also give something in return."
[Sahih Bukhari, Al-Hibah wa Fadluha wa al-Tahridh 'Alayha: 2585]
Key Points:
❖ Definition of a Gift:A gift is a form of offering given to bring joy to someone and to express affection or a bond of goodwill. However, it should be given with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure.
- When given to a child, it reflects affection and kindness.
- When presented to a friend, it strengthens love and friendship.
- When offered to an elder, it symbolizes respect and honor.
❖ The Virtue of Giving Gifts:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Exchange gifts with one another, as it removes resentment from the hearts."
[Tirmidhi, Al-Wala’: 2130]
Undoubtedly, fulfilling the ethics of good character requires such practices, but unfortunately, this noble Sunnah has become rare in our times.
❖ Gratitude for Gifts:
It is essential to express gratitude to the gift-giver. As the Prophet ﷺ mentioned:
"Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah."
[Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 2, Pg. 258]
❖ Prohibition of Taking Back Gifts:
It is important to remember that taking back a gift once given is highly discouraged. The Prophet ﷺ likened such behavior to:
"A person who gives a gift and then takes it back is like a dog that eats something, vomits it, and then licks it back."
[Abu Dawood, Al-Buyoo’: 3539]