What is the ruling on gifts between colleagues at work?

Gifts are permissible and encouraged if they increase love and affection among Muslims. An example of this is the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Exchange gifts, and you will love one another."

However, gifts of bribery and illicit gain (ghulul) are forbidden, and it is not permissible to accept or give them. These are gifts intended to establish falsehood or invalidate truth, or to influence an employee to favor a client, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Gifts to officials are ghulul (illicit gain/embezzlement)."

If gifts between colleagues are intended to influence the recipient to favor their colleague or overlook their work, they are forbidden, and it is not permissible to accept them except with the permission of the employer.

However, if gifts between colleagues are for the purpose of fostering affection and love, and are customary, then there is no harm in accepting or giving them.

A person knows best their intention behind a gift, and they should consult their heart regarding it.