Is it permissible to revoke a gift before it is taken possession of?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question:
He also says in his question: I told a person, "I will give you this device of mine," but before he took possession of it, I revoked my gift to him. Is this considered breaking a forbidden promise?
Answer:
No, the promise does not bind you. According to the majority, it does not bind you; you are not required to carry it out. A gift does not become binding until it is taken possession of. If the recipient takes possession of it, it is not permissible for you to revoke it. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sahih Muslim 1622g As for before it is taken possession of, you may revoke it.
He also says in his question: I told a person, "I will give you this device of mine," but before he took possession of it, I revoked my gift to him. Is this considered breaking a forbidden promise?
Answer:
No, the promise does not bind you. According to the majority, it does not bind you; you are not required to carry it out. A gift does not become binding until it is taken possession of. If the recipient takes possession of it, it is not permissible for you to revoke it. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
One who gets back his gift is like a dog which vomits and then swallows that vomit.
العائد في هبته كالكلب يقيء ثم يعود في قيئه
Source
قناة «العلامة الدكتور صالح الفوزان»، 2483 - هل يجوز الرجوع في الهبة قبل قبضها؟ - الشيخ صالح الفوزان — youtube.com
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.