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Q&A · Youth & Parenting

Do parents have to treat their sons and daughters equally in gifts and affection?

Yes, Islam commands justice between children, and favoring one over another in gifts is not permitted. When al-Nu'man ibn Bashir's father gave him a gift and asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to witness it, the Prophet asked whether he had given the same to all his children; when he said no, the Prophet said, "Fear Allah and be just between your children," and refused to bear witness to it, calling it injustice. This applies to material gifts; as for matters like extra care for a sick or younger child, scholars note that need-based attention is not the injustice being forbidden.

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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