Gifts and
Gift Giving in Islam
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Gifts are a universal means to strengthen relationship bonds. In
Islam, gift giving is even more encouraged as it is evident by
analyzing the life of prophet Muhammad (saws). Islamic teachings
recommend giving of gifts to honor the recipient that in turn helps
in nurturing of mutual respect and love for each other.
Eid
and other occasions are great opportunities for one to approach
others with gifts as a token to get closer to Allah and to the
individuals whom you are giving gifts.
Al-Bukhaari
narrated in his Hadeeth collection that ‘Aa’ishah said: "The
Messenger of Allaah (saws) used to accept gifts and reward people
for giving them." Rewarding people means that the prophet used to
repay in kind as well.
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Islam also
teaches us the manners to respond to people who give. One of the
Dua’s that one can say is 'Jazaaka Allaahu khayran' (may Allaah
reward you with good). At-Tirmithi in his hadeeth collection
narrated that Usaamah Ibn Zayd said: The Messenger of Allaah (saws)
said: “Whoever has a favour done for him and says 'Jazaak Allaahu
khayran' has done his utmost to thank him.” [At-Tirmithi]
It is always
good to surprise your family members, friends and even peers at work
with gifts that can in turn help establish mutual respect and
stronger bonds. We should all remember that gifts are a great way to
even break the ice in relationships where people are experiencing
challenges with each other. Gifts help in bringing out emotions of
forgiveness and helps erase distressful memories of the past. The
Prophet (saws) said: “Exchange gifts, as that will lead to
increasing your love to one another.” [Al-Bukhaari].
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Gifts do not have to be expensive – yet should be given sincerely
and should exhibit a selfless gesture of honor, respect and love
toward the recipient. Anas said (in Al-Bukhari): The Prophet used
not to reject the gifts of perfume. Therefore, all of us should
capitalize on occasions of Eid and other occasions to give our
mothers, fathers, children, spouses, brothers, sisters, and even
neighbors with gifts. In Al-Bukhari, Aisha narrated: I said, "O
Allah's Apostle! I have two neighbors; which of them should I give a
gift to?" The Prophet said, "(Give) to the one whose door is nearer
to you."
It is also recommended to
respond to gift giving with gifts. The islam-qa website
states in on of the questions that "It is mustahabb
[preferable] for the one who is given a gift to respond by
giving something similar or better, because the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever
does you a favor, then respond in kind, and if you cannot
find anything to give him, then make du’aa’ for him (and
keep doing so) until you think that you have done enough.”
Narrated by Abu Dawood and al-Nasaa’i.
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So, take the
step and make a list of individuals to whom you can give a nice gift
today. Taking this positive act will strengthen existing
relationships, build new ones and will start healing the ones that
have been damaged over time.
Click here to Send Eid Gifts Today !
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