Equality towards Children

Q: Would a father be sinful for giving some of his children more money than others - for example financing the trip of one child to go abroad but not giving any money to the other child? Another situation might be the father giving one child thousands of pounds for their studies and giving nothing to the other child. Or does Shari'ah allow a father to give one of his children more money than others (whilst the father is still well and alive)?

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 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 more.

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

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)