Equality between one's children

Q: There are 4 sons, youngest son lives with parents, father is alive and decides to give youngest son 50% of the house share and 50% remaining to the other 3 sons. The youngest son has also purchased another house, but is living in the current one.

The other sons are not happy as they say that it was unfair for our dad to give more to the youngest, on the basis that he lives with him and in tradition the elder brothers should give youngest most.

The brother's refused the 50% share as they wanted full share, not half. Is there any sin on the father because he decided he wanted to choose who he likes to give?

A: Parents should treat their children equally. It is reprehensible for parents to favour some children over the others without a valid reason. However, if there is a valid reason, it will be permissible to give one a little more than the others. E.g. If among the children, there are some who are more needy than the others; it will be permissible to give them a little more.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)