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, because it fosters love, strengthens bonds of affection and harmony, 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 it is recommended to accept gifts. Imam al-Nawawi noted in Sharh Sahih Muslim, “Scholars have differed on whether one should accept a gift, 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” (7: 134-135). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade turning down a gift without a valid reason; he said, “Accept invitations, accept gifts, and do not hurt 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 is shown kindness by his brother without having asked for it or sought it, he should accept it, for it is a provision that Allah has sent him” (recorded by Ahmad in his Musnad). Imam Ibn Hibban stated in Rawdat Al-‘Uqala` wa Nuzhat al-Fudhala`, “In this hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cautioned Muslims against turning down gifts. Thus, when one is offered a gift, it is obligatory to accept it. If not able, one should reciprocate and show gratitude. I encourage people to exchange gifts, for gifts foster affection and remove resentment” (242).

 

The ruling

In Islamic law, it is disliked to refuse gifts without a valid reason. Anyone who must decline a gift for a valid reason is encouraged to explain it to the giver, so as to spare their feelings and act kindly toward them.

And Allah Almighty knows best.