a religion founded on closeness and mutual love. Allah the Exalted says: “And remember Allah’s blessing upon you: when you were enemies and He united your hearts, and by His grace you became brothers” (Q 3:103).

3 – The giver should weigh the recipient’s circumstances so the gift achieves its purpose. To a poor person one gives something that will benefit him and help with his upkeep and expenses, whereas a wealthy person is offered a refined present suited to his standing—such as perfume and the like. In every case one offers what is appropriate to the person and the occasion.

4 – Hadith no. 808 shows that a gift banishes rancor and hostility between adversaries, and plants joy and affection in the heart of the recipient. Thus two of its chief benefits are fostering love and removing enmity—and that alone would suffice—for this is precisely Islam’s goal in its program of promoting good and warding off evil. Allah the Most High says: “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers” (Q 49:10).

5 – Endeavoring to draw out ill feeling and animosity from among people—especially friends and relatives—is a lofty and noble trait. It is taxing on the soul, and none is granted success in it save those of elevated spirits and generous, wholesome hearts. Allah Most High says: “Good and evil are not equal; repel (evil) with what is better, and behold, the one between you and whom there was enmity will become as close as a devoted friend. But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one who possesses a mighty share (of virtue)” (Q 41:34-35). And Allah is the One who grants success.