32/3. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3697 — Reversing a Gift
Mentioning The Different Reports From 'Abdullah Bin 'Abbas About It
Reversing a Gift in Islam: A Memorable Hadith Comparison
Sunan an-Nasai : 3697
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3697
أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو الأَشْعَثِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " الْعَائِدُ فِي هِبَتِهِ كَالْعَائِدِ فِي قَيْئِهِ " .
Ibn 'Abbas Narrated from:
The one who takes back his gift is like the one who goes back to his vomit.
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3697In-book reference : Book 32, Hadith 10English translation : Vol. 4, Book 32, Hadith 3727
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3697
This Hadith speaks about reversing a gift after it has been given. Ibn 'Abbas reported the statement that the one who takes back his gift is like the one who returns to his vomit. The wording is short, but it carries a strong moral response to the act. It does not describe the amount of the gift, the reason for taking it back, or a dispute between giver and recipient. The lesson comes from the comparison itself: giving and then reclaiming is presented as ugly behavior. People should therefore avoid treating gifts as temporary favors that remain under the giver's control. A careful giver thinks before giving, makes the transfer honestly, and does not later demand the item back simply because feelings or circumstances have changed.
What we learn from this hadith
- A completed gift should not be treated as if it still belongs to the giver.
- The Hadith uses a memorable comparison to condemn taking gifts back.
- The giver should think carefully before making the gift.
- Changing feelings do not make casual reclamation honorable.
