His words, “to his lender, before repayment, something that was not customary between them, is not permissible,” mean that this is prohibited whether it is a small amount or a large one.

It is understood from his words, “that was not customary between them,” that if it was his usual practice to give him something voluntarily on such an occasion, then there is nothing wrong with accepting it, even if he does not count it against the debt.

An example is where the one who lent him the money is a friend of his, and it is customary that whenever he travels, he gives him a gift upon returning from his journey, as mentioned previously. This borrower then travels and returns from his journey, and it was his habit to give the one who lent him the money a travel gift; so, after borrowing from him, he gives him that travel gift. There is nothing wrong with this, because what prompted him to give it was not the loan; rather, what prompted him was the affection and companionship between him and his friend.

His words, “unless he intends,” refer to the borrower.

His words, “to reciprocate him,” mean to reciprocate the lender.

An example of this is a man who borrows one thousand riyals from someone, then gives that lender a watch worth two hundred riyals. He may accept it on condition that he intends to reciprocate him with something of equal or greater value.

If someone were to ask: Why not simply return it, since the matter is unlawful?

We say: He may be prevented from returning it by shyness, embarrassment, and fear of hurting his companion’s feelings, for it is difficult for him to say, “I do not want it; I have lent you money,”