Q: Is the new trend Swap & Share permissible?
Example: you are invited to a persons house to swap & share. There's 15 people. Each person has to bring 15 exquisite same gifts. One for each person. Is this okay?
A: Giving gifts is a sunnah practice. In the Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) said: "Give gifts to one another, you will increase the mahabbat among yourselves". From this Hadith, we understand that the purpose of giving gifts is to increase mahabbat. However, this purpose will only be achieved when it is carried out according to the sunnah manner. The sunnah manner is that one gives a gift and does not expect to receive something in return but rather one wishes to increase the mahabbat.
When we view this type of arrangement which is done in the manner explained, then this is not conforming to the sunnah as each one wants the next person to give him something better. Apart from this, there is a lot of show and ostentation found in this type of gathering. Each one wishes to make a show of what he is giving. Similarly, if any person does not receive a good gift from the next person compared to the gift he gave, then he will feel disappointed.
Hence, when this arrangement goes against the sunnah and is not done correctly, then it is not correct for one to be part of this type of gathering.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Checked & Approved: