Is It Wrong to Sell a Gift in Islam?

Question: This is something that happened in my home recently. One member of my family was gifted a box of masks. Since she isn’t in need of so many masks, she sold some of them. Is this wrong? Please provide relevant hadiths about giving, accepting, and rejecting gifts.

Praise to Allah

Summary:

In Islam, once a gift is given and accepted, it becomes the recipient’s property. They have the right to use it, give it away, or sell it. Selling a gift is permissible, but it is important to consider the giver’s feelings and the principles of gratitude and respect.

Detailed Answer :

Selling Gifts

Once a gift is given and accepted, it becomes the recipient’s property according to Islamic principles. The recipient has the right to use it, give it away, or sell it. This is based on the broader Islamic law of property and ownership.

Evidence from the Sunnah:

1. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Ukaydir of Dawmah gave a silk garment to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as a gift. He gave it to ‘Ali and said: “Share it out among the Faatimahs for head covers.”
   • Narrated by al-Bukhari, 2472; Muslim, 2071.
   • This indicates that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) distributed a gift he received, showing that the recipient has full control over the gift.
2. Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar said: ‘Umar took a silk garment that was being sold and brought it to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), who later told him to “sell it or make some use of it.”
   • Narrated by al-Bukhari, 906; Muslim, 2068.
   • This shows that selling a gift is permissible as per the Prophet’s guidance.
3. Ibn ‘Umar narrated: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) bought a camel from ‘Umar and then said to Ibn ‘Umar, “It is yours, do with it what you wish.”
   • Narrated by al-Bukhari, 2010.
   • This further reinforces that the recipient of a gift has full ownership and can dispose of it in any lawful manner.

Real-Life Analogy:

Consider a husband who gifts his wife gold jewelry. Once the gift is given, it becomes the wife’s property. She has the right to wear it, keep it, or even sell it and use the money as she wishes. Selling the jewelry does not negate the husband’s act of giving nor does it make the wife ungrateful. However, it would be wise for her to communicate her intentions to her husband, especially if selling the gift might affect their relationship.

Conclusion:

Selling a gift is permissible in Islam, as the recipient has full ownership over it. However, it is important to approach the situation with consideration for the giver’s feelings and the principles of gratitude and respect. Whenever possible, communicate with the giver about your intentions or find a way to use or pass on the gift in a manner that maintains the spirit of goodwill

And Allah Knows Best