Thread by @Realoilsheikh

THE ABANDONED SUNNAH OF RECIPROCATING WHEN SOMEONE DO YOU A FAVOR

It is from the Sunnah that you should reciprocate the one who does you a favour.

The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) has enjoined that when he said:

“Whoever does you a favour, then reciprocate, and if you cannot find anything with which to reciprocate, then pray for him until you think that you have reciprocated him.”

[Recorded by Imaam Abu Dawood in his Mudnad and graded authentic by Sheikh al-Albaanee (RH)].

Commenting on Hadith no. 1496 in Riyaadus-Saaliheen, Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (RH) said:

“Reciprocation depends on the situation. With some people, reciprocation may be by giving him something similar to what he gave you, or more.

With others it may be by praying for him as he may not be pleased that you should reciprocate with money. This is because if a great man who has a lot of wealth and high status and honour among his people gives you something and you give him a similar gift,

he ll consider that to be diminution in his right. However, for such a person you should pray to Allaah for him. “And if you cannot find anything with which to reciprocate, then pray for him until you think that you have reciprocated him.”

Among the du’aa is for you to say to him, Jazaakallaahu Khayran. When he gives you something or benefits you with something, say to him, Jazaakallaahu Khayran, for you have done enough to thank him. That is because if Allaah the Most High rewards him with good,

that will bring him happiness in this world and in the Hereafter.”

Source: Sharh Riyaad as-Saaliheen, vol. 4, p. 29.

Do good to people when they do good to you. If you can't do them any favor, say JAZAAKALLAAHU KHAYRAN (May Allah reward you with something good).