14/62. Chapter:
Jami at-Tirmidhi 1298 — Do Not Take Back a Gift
What Has Been Related About It Being Disliked To Take Back One's Gift
Hadith About Taking Back a Gift
Jami at-Tirmidhi : 1298
Jami at-TirmidhiHadith Number 1298
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ عَبْدَةَ الضَّبِّيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْوَهَّابِ الثَّقَفِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا أَيُّوبُ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، رضى الله عنهما أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " لَيْسَ لَنَا مَثَلُ السَّوْءِ الْعَائِدُ فِي هِبَتِهِ كَالْكَلْبِ يَعُودُ فِي قَيْئِهِ " . قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ " لاَ يَحِلُّ لأَحَدٍ أَنْ يُعْطِيَ عَطِيَّةً فَيَرْجِعَ فِيهَا إِلاَّ الْوَالِدَ فِيمَا يُعْطِي وَلَدَهُ " .
Ibn 'Abbas Narrated from:
The Messenger Of Allah (ﷺ) Said: "Ours Is Not A Bad Example: The One Who Takes Back His Gift Is Like The Dog Who Takes Back His Vomit." [He Said:] On This Topic, There Is The Narration From Ibn 'Umar From The Prophet (ﷺ) That He Said: "It Is Not Lawful For Anyone That Has Given A Gift To Take It Back, Except For A Father Who Gives Something To His Son."
Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1298In-book reference : Book 14, Hadith 100English translation : Vol. 1, Book 12, Hadith 1298
Summary of Jami at-Tirmidhi Hadith 1298
This Hadith uses a sharp image to teach gift ethics. Ibn Abbas reports that the Messenger of Allah said: "Ours is not a bad example: the one who takes back his gift is like the dog who takes back his vomit." The report then mentions another narration from Ibn Umar that says it is not lawful for someone to give a gift and take it back, except for a father in what he gives to his son. The main lesson is about keeping generosity clean. A gift should not become a tool of regret, pressure, or control after it has been given.
What we learn from this hadith
- Taking back a gift is described with a severe negative example.
- The related wording mentions an exception for a father and son.
- A gift should be given with sincerity, not as something to reclaim later.
