What is best Islamically, greatest in reward, most pleasing to Allah, most perfect in character, and most preserving of chivalry and dignity when offered assistance (such as a gift, forgiveness, or a service): Is it always to accept, or always to refuse, or does it depend on the actual need?

The ruling on accepting a gift varies depending on the circumstances and potential outcomes; it can be desirable (mustahabb), disliked (makrooh), forbidden (haram), or obligatory (wajib). If accepting it is feared to lead to a sense of obligation (minnah) or compromise in a right of Allah (mudahanah), then it is better to refrain from it. However, if none of these concerns are present, then the original principle is that accepting it is better, due to what is authentically narrated in the Two Sahihs from Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him: "Whatever comes to you from this wealth, and you are neither aspiring for it nor asking for it, then take it. And whatever does not, then do not let your soul follow it."

Scholars have differed on whether someone who receives wealth must accept it or if it is merely recommended. The correct and well-known opinion, adopted by the majority, is that it is recommended unless it is a gift from a ruler. Some scholars said that taking from both a ruler and others is obligatory. It is advisable to accept an unsolicited gift, unless one fears that the giver will boast about it or hold it over them in the future; in such a case, it should be refused.