32/3. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3700 — Taking Back a Gift
Mentioning The Different Reports From 'Abdullah Bin 'Abbas About It
Hadith About Taking Back a Gift in Islam
Sunan an-Nasai : 3700
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3700
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ حَاتِمِ بْنِ نُعَيْمٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا حِبَّانُ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، عَنْ خَالِدٍ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " لَيْسَ لَنَا مَثَلُ السَّوْءِ الرَّاجِعُ فِي هِبَتِهِ كَالْكَلْبِ فِي قَيْئِهِ " .
Ibn 'Abbas Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: 'It does not befit us to leave bad examples. The one who takes back his gift is like a dog with its vomit.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3700In-book reference : Book 32, Hadith 13English translation : Vol. 4, Book 32, Hadith 3730
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3700
This Hadith gives a strong warning about taking back a gift after it has been given. The Messenger of Allah says that bad examples do not befit us, then compares the person who reclaims a gift to a dog returning to its vomit. The image is intentionally unpleasant. It shows how blameworthy gift revocation is in the wording of this narration. A gift should not be treated as something that can be offered, handed over, and then casually demanded back. The main lesson is about keeping one's giving honorable and avoiding conduct described by such a harsh comparison. The report does not discuss every possible legal case, so its clear focus should remain the act it directly condemns: taking back one's gift.
What we learn from this hadith
- Taking back a completed gift is presented as a bad example.
- The Hadith uses a severe comparison to warn against reclaiming a gift.
- A giver should treat the act of giving with seriousness and honor.
- The teaching should be kept to the case stated in the narration.
