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1. Q: What is the Islamic concept of hibah (gifting), and how should it be practiced?
A: Hibah is giving something to someone without expecting anything in return. It is done sincerely for the sake of Allah. If a person gives a house, money, or furniture and intends no repayment, then it’s a valid hibah. Once a gift is given with this intention, the giver no longer owns it.
2. Q: Does a gift (hibah) require verbal confirmation to be valid?
A: No. A gift doesn’t require explicit words. It depends on intention—if the giver meant it as a gift, it is valid even without saying so.
3. Q: If someone gives financial support without clarifying intention, how is it judged?
A: It depends on the giver’s niyyah. If unclear, they must be asked or they must ask themselves: Was it for Allah’s sake (hibah), or a loan/investment?
4. Q: What’s the key difference between a gift (hibah) and a loan in Islamic law?
A:
- A gift (hibah) is given with no strings attached and cannot be reclaimed.
- A loan is given with the expectation of return or benefit—whether money or ownership of an asset.
5. Q: What if someone gives help (like paying the mortgage) but expects something in return—does it still count as a gift?
A: No. If there’s an expectation of ownership or compensation, then it’s not a gift—it becomes either a loan or a business transaction. For it to be a hibah, the intention must be purely for Allah, with no strings attached.
6. Q: What if someone fixes their parents’ car or pays insurance bills without stating intentions—are these gifts or loans?
A: By default, such actions are treated as gifts (hibah) unless there was a clear agreement that it was a loan. The Islamic principle is to assume good intention and reward, especially toward parents.
7. Q: What if the father is dead and never clarified if the house was a gift to the son after the son paid for the majority of the mortgage?
A: The son’s intention becomes key. He must clarify whether he paid it as a gift or expected ownership.