Father liking son more than daughters

Q: Is it fine for a father to like his son more than his daughters and tell them that they are girls and they are the ones who supposed to do house chores. They are men and they don't need to do that.

Is it right for a father to be arrogant of being a man by gender which has been gifted by Allah? Is it that men are superior to women?

A: He should not be having this type of an attitude. If there is a natural inclination more to the sons then he is not answerable for this. However, in showing love and appreciation he should try and distribute his love and kindness equally. It was the way of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) thereafter to also help in the household chores, obviously where it is manageable.

It is wrong. He should be thankful to Allah Ta`ala and show kindness to the one who is less privileged. In this way, the goodness in the home and outside the home will grow and increase significantly.

Men are superior in this regards that they will be the head of the house. Hence, they will take the final decision. And they are superior on account of being more emotionally and intellectually stronger. But on account of them being stronger, they will be more enduring, caring, understanding and showing greater kindness. For the rule is that the one who is stronger in wealth or in any other aspect should not be proud of him being stronger, rather he should use this gift in the correct manner and that is to be compassionate, kind and take care of those who are lower than them.

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

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)