A gift narrows the distance between people and builds affection, and in Islam giving gifts to loved ones is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). An article by Prothom Alo's religion desk sets out five points of etiquette to remember before giving a gift, citing the Quran, hadith and classical scholars.
First, a pure intention. A gift should be given for mutual affection and to please Allah; expecting something more valuable in return spoils it. The article quotes Surah Al-Insan, verse 9, in which the generous say they feed others only for the sake of Allah and want neither reward nor thanks. Citing Imam al-Ghazali's Ihya Ulum al-Din, it says a gift mixed with worldly interest is no longer a gift but a bribe or a business deal.
Second, buying the gift with lawful (halal) earnings. A small gift paid for with halal money carries more blessing than an expensive one bought with unlawful or doubtful money. The article quotes Sahih Muslim (hadith 1015): Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure.
Third, no pride and no reminding. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 264, warns believers not to cancel their charity with reminders of it and hurt, likening such givers to one who spends to be seen by others.
Fourth, sincerity within one's means. Islam places no obligation to borrow in order to give costly gifts under social or family pressure. According to Al-Adab al-Mufrad (hadith 594), the Prophet told people to exchange gifts, because it increases love. Citing Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani's Fath al-Bari, the article says the giver's sincerity matters more than the price of the gift.
Fifth, fairness among children. Giving one child a valuable gift and leaving another out runs against Islamic justice. Sahih al-Bukhari (hadith 2587) tells how, when the Companion Nu'man ibn Bashir's father gave him a slave, the Prophet asked whether he had given all his children the same; told no, he said: fear Allah and be just among your children.
The article's point is that a gift is more than an exchange of things: a small present given with a pure intention, lawful money and sincerity can be a source of reward for a believer.
Photo: m01229 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0); wrapped gifts in a bag.
Source: Prothom Alo
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