Is it obligatory for the ruler to return a gift?

Question : Peace. That is, is it obligatory for the ruler, the wali, the governor—whether the great ruler or anyone else—to return this gift?

Answer : Yes, he is required to return it. All officials, if a gift is given to them, are required to return it. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) rebuked 'Abdullah ibn Tabya'ah with a severe rebuke, saying, "Why did he not sit in his father's or mother's house to see if he would be given a gift or not?" This issue is serious, because it is never permissible for bribery to revolve around jobs and positions of authority.