2 – Ṣadaqah (voluntary charity): a gift whose sole aim is the reward of the Hereafter.

3 – Al-ʿAṭiyyah: a gift bestowed during a perilous illness; in most of its rulings it parallels a bequest (waṣiyyah).

4 – Gift of a debt: this is the cancellation (remission) of a debt.

5 – Hibat al-Thawāb (remunerative gift): given with the intention of securing a worldly return; it is, in effect, a sale and therefore governed by the rules of sale.

When the term hibah is used without qualification, it is the first of these categories that is meant.

Hibah yields many benefits and profound wisdoms: it conveys kindness and engenders affection and love—especially when offered to a relative, a neighbor, or even an adversary—for it secures numerous interests and advantages. Indeed, it ranks among the most noble acts of worship whose benefit extends to others and draws every kind of good.

Thus, when the Wise Lawgiver said, “Give gifts to one another and you will love one another,” He intended thereby everything that leads to goodness and rectitude. Allah alone grants success.