`Umar bin Al-Khattab gave a horse in charity in Allah's Cause and later he saw it being sold in the market and intended to purchase it. Then he went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and asked his permission. The Prophet said, "Do not take back what you have given in charity." For this reason, Ibn `Umar never purchased the things which he had given in charity, and in case he had purchased something (unknowingly) he would give it in charity again.
The Prohibition of Taking Back Charity
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (1489) establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic law: once charity is given, it becomes the property of the recipient and cannot be reclaimed by the donor. The Prophet's emphatic prohibition "Do not take back what you have given in charity" carries the weight of divine legislation.
Scholarly Commentary on the Ruling
Classical scholars explain that when charity leaves one's possession with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure, it becomes a concluded act of worship whose reward is recorded. Attempting to reclaim it nullifies the spiritual benefit and constitutes taking back what rightfully belongs to another.
The wisdom behind this prohibition includes protecting the dignity of recipients, ensuring the finality of charitable acts, and preventing donors from using charity as temporary loans rather than sincere gifts.
Ibn Umar's Exemplary Conduct
The companion Abdullah ibn Umar's meticulous adherence to this ruling demonstrates the highest standard of scrupulousness (wara'). His practice of re-donating anything he accidentally purchased that he had previously given in charity shows how the righteous understood and implemented prophetic teachings with utmost care.
Legal Implications and Exceptions
Scholars note that this prohibition applies specifically to obligatory charity (zakat) and voluntary charity (sadaqah). Some jurists make an exception for gifts given to children, which a parent may reclaim if circumstances change, but this does not extend to general charity.
The ruling also emphasizes that intention is crucial - if one purchases something unknowingly that was previously their charity, there is no sin, but the recommended course is Ibn Umar's practice of giving it again.