Gifts to the wealthy in the hope that the one who gives will be given something better in return

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, are the gifts given to the prominent wealthy people in the hope that the one who gives will be given something better in return considered gifts of reward, with no religious objection to them?

Answer:
Yes, they are considered gifts of reward and there is no harm in them, except if the one to whom the gift is given is an official or an employee, then the gift is not permissible. In fact, this is the nature of such gifts. It is not permissible to give a gift to an employee or one who is in charge of people’s affairs, and it is not permissible for him to accept a gift, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent a man known as Ibn al-Muthallib as a collector of alms. He came and said, “This is for you, and this was given to you as a gift.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) became angry and said, “Why did not this man sit in ?” So it is not permissible for a guardian of affairs, or one in charge of any matter, who has people’s work and dealings, to accept that, because it is a corruption and a mark of wrongdoing.