Shar'i Principles and Etiquette of Accepting Gifts
✒ Fatwa by the Saudi Permanent Committee for Islamic Rulings
✒ Explanation by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – Nur ‘ala al-Darb (1/247)
Accepting gifts is from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. It is a praiseworthy and encouraged practice in Islam. According to some scholars, if the conditions of a proper gift are fulfilled, accepting it becomes obligatory. These conditions are detailed below:
① The Giver Should Not Remind of Their Favour
If the person giving the gift is known to boast about their favour, spread it among people, or cause embarrassment or discomfort, then there is no obligation to accept such a gift. In such cases, it is permissible to politely refuse, so as not to fall under emotional or social harm.
② The Gift Must Be from Lawful Wealth
If the giver's wealth is entirely unlawful (ḥarām), such as obtained through theft, bribery, or usury, then it is recommended to decline the gift to avoid benefiting from illicit wealth.
However, if the wealth is mixed (ḥalāl and ḥarām), then there is no harm in accepting it, as the Prophet ﷺ accepted gifts from the Jews, even though they were known for engaging in usury and consuming unlawful wealth.
✔ It is recommended for the one who receives a gift to return a gift in appreciation, according to his means.
✔ If unable to give something material in return, then one should pray for the giver. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever does good to you, repay him. If you cannot find anything with which to repay him, then make du‘ā’ for him until you think that you have repaid him."
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd, 1672]
Reference:
Fatāwā al-Lajnah ad-Dā’imah – No. not specified
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – Nur ‘ala al-Darb (1/247)
✒ Fatwa by the Saudi Permanent Committee for Islamic Rulings
✒ Explanation by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – Nur ‘ala al-Darb (1/247)
❖ Ruling on Accepting Gifts in Islam
Accepting gifts is from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. It is a praiseworthy and encouraged practice in Islam. According to some scholars, if the conditions of a proper gift are fulfilled, accepting it becomes obligatory. These conditions are detailed below:
◈ Conditions for Accepting a Gift
① The Giver Should Not Remind of Their Favour
If the person giving the gift is known to boast about their favour, spread it among people, or cause embarrassment or discomfort, then there is no obligation to accept such a gift. In such cases, it is permissible to politely refuse, so as not to fall under emotional or social harm.
② The Gift Must Be from Lawful Wealth
If the giver's wealth is entirely unlawful (ḥarām), such as obtained through theft, bribery, or usury, then it is recommended to decline the gift to avoid benefiting from illicit wealth.
However, if the wealth is mixed (ḥalāl and ḥarām), then there is no harm in accepting it, as the Prophet ﷺ accepted gifts from the Jews, even though they were known for engaging in usury and consuming unlawful wealth.
◈ Etiquette After Accepting a Gift
✔ It is recommended for the one who receives a gift to return a gift in appreciation, according to his means.
✔ If unable to give something material in return, then one should pray for the giver. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever does good to you, repay him. If you cannot find anything with which to repay him, then make du‘ā’ for him until you think that you have repaid him."
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd, 1672]
Summary
- Accepting gifts is from the Sunnah.
- Gifts should not be accepted from those who boast or cause harm.
- Gifts must be from ḥalāl wealth (or not entirely ḥarām).
- Returning the favour through a gift or du‘ā’ is encouraged.
Reference:Fatāwā al-Lajnah ad-Dā’imah – No. not specified
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – Nur ‘ala al-Darb (1/247)
