Among the many Sunnats of our Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) that pertain to our social life is the beautiful Sunnah of exchanging gifts.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam) said: ‘Offer gifts to each other, for this creates affection and removes the anger of the hearts.’

(Muwatta Imam Malik, see Al-Tamhid, vol. 15 pg. 85-91 and Takhrijul Ihya, Hadith: 1453)

Sayyidah ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) states:

‘Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam) use to accept gifts and would give something in return.’

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2585)

This is more appreciated when one comprehends the state of poverty of Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam). Despite his dire conditions, he (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam) would ensure to replace the gift offered to him.

Repay, at all costs!

In one Hadith, Nabi (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam) instructs us with the following:

‘Repay him who does good to you. If you cannot afford to, then [at least] make du’a for him till you feel that you have sufficiently repaid him.’

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 1669 with an authentic chain. See Ma’alim Irshadiyyah, pg.325)

Let us inculcate this noble Sunnah and thereby increase our mutual bond with fellow Muslims/relatives.

21/03/2018