12/52. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1075b — Sadaqa and Gift Ruling
Gifts are permissible for the Prophet (saws) and Banu Hashim and Banu Al-Muttalib, even if the giver acquired it by way of charity. When the receipient takes possession of Charity, it is no longer described as charity, and it is permissible for anyone for whom charity is otherwise unlawful
Hadith About Sadaqa and Gift in Islam
Sahih Muslim : 1075b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1075b
حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، وَأَبُو كُرَيْبٍ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ الْقَاسِمِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، - رضى الله عنها - قَالَتْ كَانَتْ فِي بَرِيرَةَ ثَلاَثُ قَضِيَّاتٍ كَانَ النَّاسُ يَتَصَدَّقُونَ عَلَيْهَا وَتُهْدِي لَنَا فَذَكَرْتُ ذَلِكَ لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ " هُوَ عَلَيْهَا صَدَقَةٌ وَلَكُمْ هَدِيَّةٌ فَكُلُوهُ " .
A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) said: Three are the decions (of the Shari'ah that we have come to know) through Barira. The people gave her sadaqa and she offered us as gift. We made a mention of it to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), whereupon he said: It is a sadaqa for her and a gift for you; so eat it.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1075bIn-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 224USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 5, Hadith 2353
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1075b
This Hadith about sadaqa and gift explains a simple but important point. A'isha mentioned that people used to give sadaqa to Barira, and Barira would then give some of it as a gift to the household of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. When this was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم, he clarified the matter by saying that it was sadaqa for Barira, but a gift for them. So he allowed them to eat it. The main lesson is that the ruling can change based on who receives it and how it is passed on. The food was charity when it reached Barira, but when she freely gifted it onward, it was treated as a gift.
What we learn from this hadith
- Sadaqa given to a deserving person may be gifted onward by that person.
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم clarified the difference between charity and a gift in this case.
- A matter can have one ruling for one person and another ruling for another person.
- Asking about doubtful food is a careful and respectful practice.
