Is a person rewarded for giving a gift, and is it like charity?

The questioner : Is a person rewarded for giving a gift? And is it like charity?

The Shaykh : Yes, a person is rewarded for giving a gift because it is excellence, and Allah the Exalted loves those who do good, and because it is a cause for affection and love. Everything that is a cause for affection and love among Muslims is sought. For this reason, it is narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: Sometimes a gift may be better than charity, and sometimes charity may be better than a gift. The difference between them and charity is that charity is what is intended for the reward of the Hereafter, while a gift is what is intended for affection and drawing close to the person. Your affection for this man may bring great benefit to the Muslims, such as if this man is the one in authority over the Muslims, and you give him what is appropriate to his status and position. In that, there is the gaining of affection and his acceptance of your advice, and much good is achieved through this. Charity, without doubt, if a person intends it with sincerity, brings him closer to Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and benefits the poor person. So a gift may be better than charity, and charity may be better than a gift, according to the results that come from this and that. Yes.

The questioner : May Allah preserve you.