Hadiyya (a gift) is what a Muslim offers to another — a relative, friend, neighbour, or stranger in need — as a sign of love and respect. Giving gifts is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and increases love between hearts.
Hadiyya in the Qur'an
Allah describes the righteous believers:
"They give food, in spite of their love for it (or for the sake of His love), to the needy, the orphan and the captive. We feed you only for the sake of Allah; we wish no reward from you nor thanks." (Al-Insan 76:8-9)
"Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives." (An-Nahl 16:90)
Hadiyya in the Hadith
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Give gifts to one another, you will love one another." (Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 594. Authenticated by al-Albani as sahih)
"A gift removes resentment from the heart." (Tirmidhi, Walaa 6; Hadith 2130)
"O Muslim women! Let no neighbour belittle her gift to her neighbour — even if it is a sheep's hoof." (Bukhari, Hibah 1; Hadith 2566. Muslim, Zakat 90; Hadith 1030)
"Do not reject a gift, for it is the way of the Prophets." (Ahmad, Musnad 9216; graded sahih by al-Bazzar)
Types and etiquette of gifts
- Gifts to family — the most virtuous, as they increase love and household blessing.
- Gifts to neighbours — a stressed Sunnah, second only to kinship ties.
- Gifts to orphans and the needy — among the greatest rewards before Allah.
- Eid and special occasion gifts — to share joy and bring hearts closer.
Etiquette of giving
Do not remind the recipient of the favour (Al-Baqarah 2:264), give from what is good and pure (Ali-Imran 3:92), and accept with a smile and thanks — this is the Sunnah way.
Al Baraka Azerbaijan Volunteers deliver your gifts directly to orphans, widows and Qur'an students across Asia and Africa — in the form of children's clothing, food parcels, toys, Mushaf copies and seasonal aid.