Accept a gift, even if it is humble

Accept a gift, even if it is humble

Humility is one of the best and noblest of characteristics; it is the attitude of the Prophets and Messengers, and the way of the close friends of Allaah and the righteous. That is being kind to people, lowering the wing of humility to them and trying to meet their needs and wants.

the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 

“If I were invited to a meal of a sheep’s foot I would accept, and if I were given a sheep’s foot as a gift, I would accept.”
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5178).

This hadeeth is indicative of the good attitude of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his humility, and his desire to make people happy by accepting gifts and responding when a man invited him to his home, even if he knew that what he was inviting him to was something small. This is encouragement to keep in touch with one another, love one another, make friends with one another, and accept invitations great and small, and to accept gifts likewise. End quote.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say:

“O Muslim women, no woman should look down on a gift given by her neighbour, even if it is the meat from a sheep’s foot.”
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2566) and Muslim (1030).

Ibn Hibbaan said in Rawdat al-‘Uqalaa’ (242):
...the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) rebuked the one who does not accept gifts among Muslims. If a person is offered a gift, he must accept it and not refuse it, then he should reciprocate if he is able to, and express gratitude for it.