"The likeness of the one who takes back his gift is that of a dog which vomits, then goes back to its vomit." (One of the narrators) Al-Awza'i said: "I heard him narrating this Hadith to 'Ata bin Abi Rabah."
Narrated by It was narrated from 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas that the Messenger of Allah said:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet, ﷺ, compares the act of retracting a gift to a dog returning to its vomit. This vivid analogy serves to illustrate the ethical implications of generosity and the importance of maintaining integrity in giving. It highlights the value of sincerity in charitable acts.
Modern Application
Today, this principle can remind individuals to be sincere and committed in their charitable actions. It encourages a culture of genuine giving and discourages taking back gifts or favors, fostering trust and goodwill.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Ethical Conduct because it addresses the moral implications of generosity and the importance of sincerity in interpersonal relationships.
And if We had willed, we could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.
The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
سُورَةُ المَعَارِجِ
Al-Ma'aarij (The Ascending Stairways)
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
1 ayah
تَدْعُوا۟ مَنْ أَدْبَرَ وَتَوَلَّىٰ
It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience]
سُورَةُ قٓ
Qaaf (The letter Qaaf)
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
1 ayah
هَٰذَا مَا تُوعَدُونَ لِكُلِّ أَوَّابٍ حَفِيظٍۢ
[It will be said], "This is what you were promised - for every returner [to Allah] and keeper [of His covenant]
This hadith is #3703 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Gifts. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated from 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas that the Messenger of Allah said:.
