Wedding Expenses for a Needy Son and the Ruling on Justice Among Children
✒ Fatwa by the Saudi Permanent Committee for Islamic Rulings
◈ Marrying Off Sons and Financial Responsibility
If you have a son who wishes to get married but lacks financial means, and you are capable of supporting him, then it becomes obligatory (wājib) upon you to help him get married.
✔ Covering his marriage expenses in such a case is your duty, not a gift or favor.
✔ If you do not give the same amount to your other sons — for example, those who are already married or financially capable of managing their own wedding expenses — there is no harm in that.
◈ Why This Is Not Against Justice Among Children
This support falls under obligatory maintenance (nafaqah), not under voluntary gifting (ʿaṭiyyah). Therefore:
✔ Equal distribution is not required in this case.
✔ The principle of fairness in gifting among children applies only to non-obligatory gifts or donations, not to necessary expenditures based on genuine need.
🖋 Reference:
Permanent Committee for Islamic Rulings – Fatwa No. 17933
