The Book of Gifts - Sahih Muslim 1622 e

"One who gets back the gift is like one who eats vomit."

Commentary on the Hadith

This profound analogy from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) illustrates the severe disapproval of retracting a gift once given. The comparison to consuming vomit emphasizes the repugnant nature of this action in the sight of Allah.

A gift, once bestowed, becomes the lawful property of the recipient. To reclaim it is to violate the trust and generosity inherent in the act of giving. This hadith serves to protect social bonds and encourage sincere charity without expectation of return.

The only exception scholars mention is when a parent takes back a gift from a child, as this falls under different rulings concerning parental rights and the management of children's property.

Legal Ruling (Hukm)

The majority of scholars consider it reprehensible (makruh) to take back a gift, while some consider it prohibited (haram) based on the strength of this condemnation. The gift remains valid, but the act of reclamation is morally and spiritually blameworthy.