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Q&A · Family

Must a father treat all his children equally in gifts and affection?

Yes; justice between children is obligatory, and favouring one over another in gifts is prohibited. When Bashīr wished to give his son al-Nuʿmān a gift and asked the Prophet ﷺ to witness it, the Prophet asked whether he had given the same to all his children, and when he said no, he replied, "Fear Allah and be just between your children," and refused to witness it, calling it injustice. This equal treatment protects children from resentment and severing of ties; scholars note it especially concerns wealth and gifts, while extra care may be shown to one who has a genuine need such as illness or study.

Evidence — the daleel
Sahih al-Bukhari 2587 ṢaḥīḥSahih Muslim 1623 Ṣaḥīḥ
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Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.

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