Selling a Gift: Permissible or Not?

Question

One member of my family was gifted a box of masks. Since she didn’t need so many, she sold some of them. Is this wrong? Please provide relevant hadiths about giving, accepting, and rejecting gifts.

Bottom Line

Once a gift is accepted, it becomes your property. You can use it, sell it, or pass it on — as long as you remain thankful and considerate.

Quick Answer

In Islam, when a gift (hiba) is given and accepted, it becomes the full property of the recipient. They are free to use, gift, or sell it without restriction. Selling a gift is permissible, though gratitude and care for the giver’s feelings are recommended.

Key Takeaways

• A gift becomes the recipient’s full property once accepted.
• Selling a gift is permissible in Shariah.
• Gratitude and respect for the giver’s emotions maintain family ties.

Detailed Answer

In Islamic law, a gift transfers ownership immediately once accepted. The recipient has complete freedom to use, repurpose, or sell it. This principle is reflected in several authentic hadiths that clarify how the Prophet ﷺ and his companions dealt with gifts.

Distributing a Gift

ʿAlī (RA) narrated that Ukaydir of Dawmah gifted the Prophet ﷺ a silk garment. The Prophet ﷺ gave it to ʿAlī and instructed him:

“Share it among the Fāṭimahs for head covers.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 2472

This shows a recipient may redistribute or repurpose a gift as they wish.

Selling a Gift

ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (RA) reported that ʿUmar (RA) brought a silk garment to the Prophet ﷺ, who told him:

“Sell it or make some use of it.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 906

This explicitly proves that selling a gift is lawful.

Complete Freedom of Disposal

Ibn ʿUmar (RA) narrated: The Prophet ﷺ bought a camel from ʿUmar (RA) and then told him:

“It is yours, do with it what you wish.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 2010

This hadith establishes the principle that once ownership transfers, the new owner has unrestricted rights over the property.

Practical Wisdom

Although selling gifts is fully permissible, Islam emphasizes good character and gratitude. With close family and friends, being considerate of their feelings is wise. Thankfulness preserves love, and sensitivity avoids misunderstandings.

What This Means for You

Selling part of the gifted masks was permissible and within Islamic law. However, gratitude and kindness in handling gifts strengthen relationships and honor the spirit of giving.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Hadith

1. Sahih al-Bukhari 2472: The Prophet ﷺ gave ʿAlī a garment to share, showing redistribution of gifts is valid.
2. Sahih Muslim 2071: A similar narration affirming gifts can be divided and used freely.
3. Sahih al-Bukhari 906: The Prophet ﷺ told ʿUmar to sell or use a gifted garment.
4. Sahih Muslim 2068: Confirms the permissibility of selling or benefiting from gifts.
5. Sahih al-Bukhari 2010: “It is yours, do with it what you wish” — full ownership once gifted.

Secondary Sources

6. Ibn Qudāmah, al-Mughnī, Kitāb al-Hibah: Explains that once a gift is accepted, ownership transfers fully.
7. Al-Nawawī, al-Majmūʿ Sharḥ al-Muhadhdhab: Notes that the recipient may sell or repurpose a gift as they wish.
8. Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr, al-Tamhīd, Vol. 11: Records scholarly consensus on the permissibility of selling or re-gifting.