The Book of Gifts

Sahih Muslim 1620 c

Hadith Text

"Don't buy that even if you get it for a dirham for he who gets back the charity is like a dog which swallows its vomit."

Commentary

This profound hadith from Sahih Muslim establishes a severe prohibition against reclaiming charity once given. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used the powerful analogy of a dog returning to its vomit to illustrate the spiritual degradation of taking back what one has voluntarily given in charity.

The dirham mentioned represents any nominal price, indicating that even if the original donor purchases back the donated item for any amount, it constitutes taking back charity. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the recipient sells it willingly or under compulsion.

Scholars explain that charity becomes the lawful property of the recipient the moment it is given. Taking it back violates the recipient's rights and nullifies the spiritual reward of the original charity. The repulsive imagery serves to deter Muslims from this ignoble act, emphasizing that what has been given for Allah's pleasure should remain given.

Legal Ruling

The consensus of scholars holds that taking back charity is strictly forbidden (haram). If someone does reclaim their charity, they must return it to the recipient and seek forgiveness from Allah. The only exception recognized by some scholars is when a parent takes back what was given to their child, as the child's property generally falls under parental guardianship.