Bismillahir
Rahmaanir Raheem
By Hadhrat Moulana
Abdul Hamid Is’haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)
A Mureed asked
about accepting gifts, when having made an intention to do something for the
pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, or accepting gifts having taught someone something of
Dien. Would it be against Ikhlaas (sincerity) to accept? Would it spoil one’s
deed, when the favour or the teaching was meant to be for Allah Ta’ala?
I explained that
the giving of gifts is actually encouraged in the Hadith. Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:
“Give gifts to one another, and you will love
one another.”[1]
However, it does
happen that after doing some good for somebody, like teaching him, etc. the
person reciprocates by giving something.
Outwardly, it may
seem like a kind of payment, though the person says that it is a gift. The
person – whether a teacher, Da’ee[2],
etc. – may feel hesitant and reluctant to accept, when he considers his
intention being for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.
However, somebody else's actions or
intentions do not spoil or destroy one’s own intentions or actions.
If our intention is
that we are taking it in return for what was done, then this will be against
Ikhlaas. If we accept it as a gift, then this will be acceptable and in order.
Our Akaabir have taught and explained to us
that there is a test in regard to gifts.
Firstly, we should
not expect anything, outwardly or inwardly - on doing any favour or teaching
someone something.
If nothing is given and we are upset or hurt or offended,
this will reveal our insincerity. If we are convinced that the person is giving
it as a payment, then it would be best not to accept. We should not accept.
If the person is
giving as an expression of his appreciation and gratitude, and will be hurt if
we do not accept - then we should accept. We should keep in mind the condition
of not expecting and should reflect and introspect and ask ourselves: If
nothing was given, would I have felt hurt or upset?
This is the gauge
of sincerity in accepting gifts.
Also, we find that
the Sunnah of gifts was not only accepting gifts. It was also giving gifts.
Hadhrat Ayeshah (Radhiyallahu anha) said that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) used
to accept gifts and used to give something in return. (Sahih Bukhari)
In fact, we find
that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would sometimes give more than
was received. SubhanAllah. Moreover, in the Hadith, we are directed to respond
to the kindness of others in some way:
“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.”[3]
Another way which
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) directed us to, is saying JazakAllah
khayran: “Whoever has a favour done for him and says 'JazakAllahu khayran'
has done his utmost to thank him.”[4]
When a person does
not have the means, then this is more than sufficient to reciprocate kindness,
because Allah Ta’ala is the only one who can recompense in the best way.
It is also
permissible; in fact courteous and well-mannered, for the recipient to mention
the person’s kindness, so long as his intention is sincere in doing so.
Acknowledging a person’s kindness is from amongst the noble qualities of a
Believer.
Another teaching
which we are cautioned of is to give something and then remind the person of
our gift or favour. This goes against the grain of Ikhlaas – that a person
gives and then reminds the recipient of his gifts and kindness, or he
entertains expectations of favours in return, or expects his gift to be
announced and publicized.
Many have their own
agenda in doing favours, giving gifts and rendering assistance. When their own
interests are not fulfilled, then they curtail their assistance or sever
relationships - because there was no personal gain or their own ends were not
achieved. This clearly indicates selfishness and insincerity, as opposed to
doing something, seeking only the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala.
It may even be that
the person gives a gift so that others may see or come to know of it and that
he is then acknowledged as generous or good hearted – then this would be Riyaa
(showing off).
So Ikhlaas is demanded of both the giver and
the recipient.
Moreover, good
character calls for appreciation, whether the gift is big or small, expensive
or inexpensive. Unfortunately, if something given is of little value, we do not
care to express our thanks; whereas it was the noble habit of Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) to accept even humble items which were given to
him as gifts.
Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) never ignored any person’s kindness. Not only
did he accept, but he expressed his appreciation and pleasure, thereby putting
happiness in the giver’s heart. And to put happiness into the heart of a
Believer is greatly rewarding.
Hadhrat Abu
Hurayrah (Radhiyallahu anhu) related that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “If I were invited to a meal of a sheep’s
foot I would accept, and if I were given a sheep’s foot as a gift, I would
accept.”[5]
Hafez Ibn Hajar
(Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that this Hadith indicates the noble nature
and humility of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), together with his
desire to make others happy, by responding to an invitation, despite knowing
that he would be fed a humble meal or by accepting a humble gift. These words of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu
‘alayhi wasallam) are to encourage us to establish the bonds of brotherhood and
friendship.
And also directs us
to interact with different people, including the poor – who are generally
turned away or looked down upon. Alhamdulillah, we see how the Sunnah erases
all prejudices and discriminations.
We should keep in
mind that whatever we receive is from Allah Ta’ala. People are only the asbaab
(means) whereby we receive our sustenance. So ingratitude and in-appreciation
is indirectly expressed to Allah Ta’ala who is the actual Giver.
Looking down upon
any gift also reveals a person’s pride.
May Allah Ta’ala
grant us Ikhlaas in practising on the Sunnah, in our interaction with people,
and grant us the Taufeeq to always do for Allah Ta’ala alone, and having our
expectation in Him and not on His creation. Aamien.
[1]
Sahih Bukhari
[2] Da’ee
: One who invites to Dien
[3]
Abu Dawood
[4]
Tirmidhi
[5]
Sahih Bukhari
