Is it permissible for a husband to reclaim money he gave to his wife two years ago, telling her, "This is yours, and I've absolved you of it," and then demands its return after a dispute that may lead to divorce?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The majority view the reclamation of a gift after its قبض (seizing/taking possession) as unlawful. Therefore, it is impermissible for the husband to retract his gift once his wife has taken possession of it and secured it. If he takes it, he must return it, because he has taken what he has no right to, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "It is not lawful for a Muslim to give a gift and then reclaim it, except for a father concerning what he gives to his child."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/109159
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 109159
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy