Is it permissible to receive gifts from non-Muslims?

Dear Brother / Sister,

It is not haram to receive a gift from a non-Muslim. However, if you think that you or Islam will be harmed due to accepting a gift or if this gift is given with the intention of bribery, we advise you not to accept it and to return it if you have already accepted it. 

Exchanging gifts is sunnah. All of our scholars agree with it; they exchanged gifts. However, like everything, the religion of Islam introduced some limitations related to exchanging gifts. They are as follows:    

- Not to show off while exchanging gifts.

- Not to force oneself to buy luxurious things that one cannot afford. For, there is no need to force yourself if you are in sincere terms with the person you are to exchange gifts. If you are not in sincere terms, you do not have to exchange gifts with him.

- Besides, it is necessary to give gifts for the sake of Allah. It is necessary to give gifts when you do not need that person's help, not when you need his help. For, a person may sometimes look for his interest when he gives a gift. In that case, the gift is no longer a gift. If the person you give the gift to accepts it to do something illegitimate, you will cause him to commit a sin. That is, you force him to take a bribe. From then on, he might start to expect similar things and might not do what he needs to do or might do it slowly and postpone it. It is necessary to be careful about it.    

As for accepting a gift given to you, it is up to you to accept it or not.

- If it can cause mischief when you refuse it, you can accept the gift given to you.

- If it can cause mischief, it is necessary not to accept the thing given under the name of a gift. That is, if somebody gives you a gift because he loves you and for the sake of Allah, you need to accept it; otherwise, your relationship with him may break off. This will make you gain the reward of a sunnah. However, if you are an official if and somebody brings you something under the name of a gift, it is better not to accept it.

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