I am given dates and other things as a gift; is it permissible for me to give them in charity?
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The questioner : I am given dates or something similar to them; is it permissible for me to give them in charity or not?
The Shaykh : It is permissible for a person to give in charity the dates or other things that are given to him as a gift, because when something is given to him as a gift, he owns it and it becomes part of his property, and he may dispose of it as he wishes. In fact, if he gives it in charity while he is poor and then gives it as a gift to a rich person, there is nothing wrong with that. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) entered his home one day, and they served him food, or he asked for food—I have forgotten the hadith—but he saw the *barimah* on the fire. The *barimah* is a clay vessel similar to a pot. He said (peace and blessings be upon him):. They said: “O Messenger of Allah, this is meat that was given in charity to Barirah.” That is to say, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) does not eat meat. He said (peace and blessings be upon him): Sahih Muslim 1074a.
The important point is that whenever something is given to a person as a gift or given to him in charity, it is his property. If he wishes, he may give it as a gift; if he wishes, he may sell it; and if he wishes, he may give it in charity.
The questioner : May Allah reward you, O honorable Shaykh, and may He magnify your reward.
The Shaykh : It is permissible for a person to give in charity the dates or other things that are given to him as a gift, because when something is given to him as a gift, he owns it and it becomes part of his property, and he may dispose of it as he wishes. In fact, if he gives it in charity while he is poor and then gives it as a gift to a rich person, there is nothing wrong with that. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) entered his home one day, and they served him food, or he asked for food—I have forgotten the hadith—but he saw the *barimah* on the fire. The *barimah* is a clay vessel similar to a pot. He said (peace and blessings be upon him):
Did I not see the *barimah* on the fire?
ألم أرى البرمة على النارThat is a Sadaqa for her and a gift for us.
هو لها صدقة ولنا هديةThe important point is that whenever something is given to a person as a gift or given to him in charity, it is his property. If he wishes, he may give it as a gift; if he wishes, he may sell it; and if he wishes, he may give it in charity.
The questioner : May Allah reward you, O honorable Shaykh, and may He magnify your reward.