Is it permissible for a person to receive back charity (Sadaqa) that they originally gave, after it has been distributed by the recipient or the Imam?
Chapter on Zakat al-Fitr
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
It is permissible for the original giver to receive back their charity if it comes back to them through a lawful means, such as being given it by the rightful recipient or receiving it after the Imam has distributed the collected Zakat among the eligible recipients. The opinion of the Qadi supports this permissibility. Imam Ahmad supported this view for someone who possesses the minimum required amount (nisab) of livestock or crops, stating that the Zakat taken from them can be returned to them if they do not have enough for their sustenance. This is also the view of Al-Shafi'i. The reasoning is that the possession by the Imam or the rightful recipient extinguishes the giver's original ownership, and the return happens through a new legal cause, making it permissible, similar to receiving wealth through inheritance.
Supporting text
Abu Bakr held that it is not permissible for the giver to take it back because it served as purification (taharah) for him, similar to selling something one has given as charity. A supporting evidence cited is the narration where the Prophet, peace be upon him, prohibited 'Umar from buying back a horse he had donated for Jihad, stating, 'Do not return to your charity, for the one who returns to his charity is like the one who returns to his vomit.' However, if one inherits the donated item, taking it back is permissible because it returns without their direct action.