What is the criterion for accepting a gift?

Question:
We conclude this session with the final section: the criterion for accepting a gift, O Shaykh Salih.

Answer:
If he is not a responsible employee, if he is not among the officials, there is no harm in accepting a gift; in fact, a gift is encouraged, because it removes resentment from hearts and brings people together. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to accept gifts and give thanks for them. However, if he is an employee and an official, he must not accept gifts from those who come to him for business or from those who are expected to have business with him. This is bribery, which is forbidden and illicit. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: This is the illicit gain, and this is the forbidden thing. Cursed is the one who commits bribery, whether he pays it, receives it, or acts as an intermediary in it. All of them are cursed by the explicit text of this hadith, even if it is not called bribery, even if it is called a gift, even if it is called fees, or called something else, or called a donation, or something similar. It is also not necessary for it to be money; it can be a benefit, such as riding in his car, being carried in his car, or living in his house, and so on. Yes.