What is the ruling on refusing a gift without a valid reason? I gave my friend some gifts, but he refused to accept them, which deeply saddened me. Is it permissible in Islamic law to turn down a gift for no reason? Does doing so align with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?

Islamic law encourages the exchange of gifts, for it fosters love, strengthens bonds of affection and harmony among people, removes grudges, and brings hearts together. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged the exchange of gifts and he himself accepted gifts. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “If I were invited to a meal consisting of a sheep’s shoulder or trotters, I would accept the invitation. And if I were given a gift of a sheep’s shoulder or trotters, I would accept it” (recorded by al-Bukhari in his Sahih).

The majority of scholars maintain that accepting a gift is recommended. Imam al-Nawawi noted in Sharh Sahih Muslim (7:134–135), “Scholars have differed on whether one should accept a gift of wealth, or if it is merely recommended. There are three positions, but the sound and well-known view held by the majority of scholars is that it is recommended.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade rejecting a gift without a valid reason. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Accept invitations, do not turn them down, and do not strike Muslims” (recorded by Ahmad in his Musnad and Ibn Hibban in his Sahih).

Khalid Ibn ‘Adi al-Juhani (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “If a person receives an act of kindness from his brother without asking for it or aspiring to it, let him accept it and not refuse it, for it is a provision which Allah has sent him” (recorded by Ahmad in his Musnad). Imam Ibn Hibban stated in Rawdat Al-‘Uqala` wa Nuzhat al-Fudhala` (p. 242), “In this hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) admonished against refusing gifts among Muslims. Therefore, when a person receives a gift, it is obligatory to accept it and not reject it. If able, he should reciprocate and express gratitude. I encourage people to exchange gifts with one another, for gifts foster affection and remove resentment.”

 

The ruling

In Islamic law, it is recommended to accept gifts and disliked to turn them down without a valid excuse. It is also recommended for whoever declines a gift for a valid excuse to explain their reason to the giver, so as to spare their feelings and act kindly toward them.

And Allah Almighty knows best.