💰 Family finances · #40
Who owns the money gifts and presents received at a wedding — the couple, the parents, or the husband alone?
It depends on the giver's intention: gifts given to the couple belong to both of them, gifts for the wife belong to the wife, and contributions to the hosts who bear the cost of the feast can be counted as the hosts'.
The Prophet ﷺ accepted gifts and gave something in return (Sahih al-Bukhari 2585), and a gift belongs to the person the giver intends. In Malaysian practice, money given at the bride's side of the reception, paid for by her parents, is often regarded as help towards the cost of the feast, while personal gifts for the couple belong to the couple. This confusion often causes hurt feelings. The best way is to discuss it early between the couple and both families, and to keep a list of what was received if needed. A husband has no right to take gifts meant for his wife without her consent (an-Nisa' 4:4, 4:29). See The wedding feast.
The Prophet ﷺ accepted gifts and gave something in return (Sahih al-Bukhari 2585), and a gift belongs to the person the giver intends. In Malaysian practice, money given at the bride's side of the reception, paid for by her parents, is often regarded as help towards the cost of the feast, while personal gifts for the couple belong to the couple. This confusion often causes hurt feelings. The best way is to discuss it early between the couple and both families, and to keep a list of what was received if needed. A husband has no right to take gifts meant for his wife without her consent (an-Nisa' 4:4, 4:29). See The wedding feast.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:4Surah an-Nisa' 4:29Sahih al-Bukhari 2585