Ruling on differentiating between obedient and disobedient children when giving gifts

Question My father has four sons and ten daughters. He does not want to give some of what he owns to his disobedient sons and daughters; he will just give them little of it, and give much to the obedient ones as gifts. What is the ruling on this matter?. Praise be to Allah. The…

Question

My father has four sons and ten daughters. He does not want to give some of what he owns to his disobedient sons and daughters; he will just give them little of it, and give much to the obedient ones as gifts. What is the ruling on this matter?.

Praise be to Allah.

The father must treat his children equally when giving gifts,
because of the report narrated by al-Bukhaari (2586) and Muslim (1623) from
al-Nu’maan ibn Basheer, that his father took him to the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said: “I have given
this son of mine a slave.” He said: “Have you given something similar to all
of your children?” He said: No. He said: “Then take it back.”

According to a version narrated by al-Bukhaari (2587), he
said: “Fear Allaah and treat your children fairly.” So he went back and took
back his gift.

According to another report narrated by al-Bukhaari (2650):
“Do not ask me to bear witness to falsehood.”

According to a report narrated by Muslim (1623) he said:
“Would you not like them all to honour you as you want this one to?” He
said: Of course. He said: “Then I will not bear witness.”

Differentiating between children in gift giving causes
resentment and creates grudges, and makes disobedient children even more
disobedient and rebellious.

Hence the correct view is that it is haraam and should not be
done, unless it is for a legitimate shar’i reason. See question no.
22169.

Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: One should
treat children fairly with regard to gift-giving, and not single out any of
them in a way that shows preferential treatment. If he singles out one of
them for a gift or he differentiates between them, then he is sinning and he
has to treat them fairly by doing one of two things: either taking back that
which he gave to some or by giving (something similar) to the others. End
quote from al-Mughni (5/387).

The Standing Committee was also asked: My mother owns a small
house that she built from scratch and I have a brother who did not take any
part in that with me at all, rather he makes my mother and father very angry
and has treated them badly all his life until now. Now he is living outside
the home, and my mother got angry and decided to put this house in my name.
I discussed the matter with her many times but she is determined to put it
in my name. Now I am asking: will there be any sin on my mother if she puts
the house in my name to deprive my brother of it? Will there be any sin on
me if I accept that from my mother?

They replied:

If the situation is as described, it is not permissible for
your mother to give the house to you and not your brother, because the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fear Allaah
and treat your children fairly.” And because of other hadeeth that have been
narrated on this topic. If she does what is mentioned, then she will be
sinning and you will be sinning, because if you accept that from her you
will be a partner in the sin and transgression, and Allaah has forbidden
that as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Help you one another in Al‑Birr and At‑Taqwa (virtue,
righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and
transgression. And fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Severe in punishment”

[al-Maa’idah 5:2]

So the gift should be returned or the second son should be
given something of equal value. If you see that she is insisting on not
giving him a share with you, there is nothing wrong with accepting the gift
and giving your brother half of it, so that you will have discharged your
duty, if there are no other children apart from you two. And Allaah is the
Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet
Muhammad and his family and companions. End quote.

And Allaah knows best.

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