Giving Gifts

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: 'Exchange gifts with one another, it improves relations'

Gift-giving is one of the good manners that maintains and strengthens relations between the giver and the recipient. It is one of the acts that Prophet Muhammad recommended us-Muslims- to do. Al-Bukhaari narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: "The Messenger of Allaah used to accept gifts and reward people for giving them."

The phrase: “Reward people for giving them,” means giving the giver (at a later time) something of equal value at least in return.

This Hadeeth (narration) indicates that accepting gifts and giving something of equal value (or more) to the giver is the way of the Prophet .

The Prophet enjoined responding in kind to favours, as he said in an authentic narration: “Whoever does you a favour, respond in kind, and if you cannot find the means of doing so, then keep praying for him until you think that you have responded in kind.” [Abu Daawood]

“Whoever does you a favour,” means, whoever treats you kindly in word or deed or by gifting you.

“Respond in kind,” means to treat him kindly just as he has treated you kindly.

“If you cannot find the means of doing so” means if you do not have the money.

“Until you think that you have responded in kind” means, repeatedly supplicate for him until you think that you have rewarded him his due.

One of the Du'aa' forms that one can say is 'Jazaaka Allaahu khayran' (may Allaah reward you with good). At-Tirmithi narrated that Usaamah Ibn Zayd said: The Messenger of Allaah said: “Whoever has a favour done for him and says 'Jazaak Allaahu khayran' has done his utmost to thank him.” [At-Tirmithi]

“Done his utmost to thank him,” means that he has done his utmost to express his gratitude, because he has acknowledged his shortcomings and that he is unable to reward and thank him enough, so he refers the matter to Allaah, to reward him in the best manner. It is said that: "If you are unable to give him back in kind, then speak at length thanking him and supplicating for him." [Tuhfat Al-Ahwathi]

The Permanent Committee (a supreme Islamic judicial authority inSaudi Arabia, was asked a similar question) and replied as follows:
"There is nothing wrong with accepting it (an amount of money as a gift), without you (the recipient) longing for that, and you can respond in kind if you are able to with an appropriate gift, or you can supplicate for him, because the Prophet said: “Whoever does you a favour, respond in kind … (the above-mentioned Hadeeth)." [Fataawa Al-Lajnah Al-Daa’imah]