ACCEPTING A GIFT

"The one, who receives something good from his brother (Muslim) without asking and without greed, should accept it. He must not refuse to accept it as it is a favour that Allah Ta’ala has bestowed upon him." (Hadith)

This is recommended especially when it creates joy in the heart of that Muslim brother who offers this gift. However, if the gift is something that is not permissible in Islam or the person offering it, has a certain unjustified interest, then, it should not be accepted. For example, if a person offers a bottle of whiskey, a statue, a doll or something that has the shape of an animal, etc., then these things must not be accepted. This is because by accepting these things, Allah Ta’ala is being disobeyed. Similarly, if a boy gives a gift to a girl and vice versa, then such practices should not be tolerated as there is nothing commendable behind such gifts.

[English version of "Accepté cadeau" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.3]