Unfailing Recipe of Happiness and Good Social Relations

It is related by Sayyidah Ayesha (rd) that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "Exchange presents with one another. Presents remove ill-will from the hearts."

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation: Gift is a form of transaction in a civilized society. The holy Prophet (saws) has laid a great stress on it in his Traditions and indicated that it is helpful in the promotion of mutual love and affection and conducive to the growth of friendly relations which, doubtlessly, are a great blessing.

A gift is an offering made as a token of goodwill, and with the object of making the other person happy and winning the good graces of the Lord. If the present is made to anyone younger in age, it is a gesture of affection; if to a friend, it is a means of strengthening the bond of love; if to a needy person, it is a source of solace and comfort; and if to a superior, it is a mark of regard and respect.

In case something is given to anyone for the sake of God and with the intention of earning the reward of the Hereafter, considering him to be poor and indigent, it will be charity (Sadqa), not a gift (Hadiya). It is only when an offering is meant to be an expression of love and fellow feeling, and, through it, the good pleasure of the Lord is to be sought, that it becomes a girt.

If, however, a gift is made with sincerity, the reward, on it, is no less than on charity, and, sometimes, even greater. It was owing to this difference between Hadiya and Sadqa that the holy Prophet accepted a Hadiya (gift) with prayer and thankfulness and made use of it, while in case of a Sadqa (charity), his practice was that though he accepted it, too, with gratitude and blessed the giver, he did not use it himself, but gave to others.

Unfortunately, the habit of giving presents to one another, with an earnest heart, is fast disappearing among the Muslims, as a whole, and though it is still done, to some extent, it is seldom that one offers a gift to a friend, relative or neighbour despite the fact that it is an unfailing recipe handed down to us by the Messenger of Allah (saws)of happiness and good social relations and a sure means to earning the countenance of the Lord.

Abu Hurairah (ra) relates, saying that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "Give presents to one another. Presents remove malice from the hearts, and a female neighbour should not regard the gift of a part of the feet of a goat to another female neighbour as of no value." [Tirmidhi]