32/2. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3689 — Taking Back Gifts
A Father Taking Back That Which He Gave To His Son, And Mentioning The Varying Reports Of The Narrat
Taking Back Gifts in Islam: The Stated Father-and-Son Exception
Sunan an-Nasai : 3689
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3689
أَخْبَرَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ حَفْصٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي قَالَ، حَدَّثَنِي إِبْرَاهِيمُ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ أَبِي عَرُوبَةَ، عَنْ عَامِرٍ الأَحْوَلِ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ شُعَيْبٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ جَدِّهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " لا يَرْجِعُ أَحَدٌ فِي هِبَتِهِ إِلاَّ وَالِدٌ مِنْ وَلَدِهِ وَالْعَائِدُ فِي هِبَتِهِ كَالْعَائِدِ فِي قَيْئِهِ " .
'Amr bin Shu'aib Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: 'No one should take back his gift except a father (taking back a gift) from his son. The one who takes back his gift is like one who goes back to his vomit.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3689In-book reference : Book 32, Hadith 2English translation : Vol. 4, Book 32, Hadith 3719
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3689
This Hadith addresses taking back gifts in Islam with direct wording. The Messenger of Allah said that no one should take back a gift, except a father taking back a gift from his son. He then used a severe comparison for the person who reclaims a gift: such a person is like one who returns to his own vomit. The comparison shows how blameworthy the act is presented in the narration. The Hadith also contains a specific exception, and it should be stated exactly as given rather than widened to other relationships. A practical lesson is to give with care and clear intent. Once a person has handed over a gift, it should not be treated like an item that can casually be reclaimed whenever feelings change.
What we learn from this hadith
- A person should not take back a gift after giving it.
- The Hadith states an exception for a father taking back from his son.
- Reclaiming a gift is described through a strongly negative comparison.
- People should give thoughtfully rather than plan to reverse the gift later.
