❖ Question:
A man built a house and his son contributed some money toward its construction. The son also spent money on his sister’s wedding. Now, he is asking his father to return that money.
Is the father obligated to repay this amount?
❖ Answer by:
Shaykh ʿAbdullāh ʿAzzām (ḥafiẓahullāh)
Al-ʿĀlim Ikramullah Wahidi (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Evidence from the Sunnah:
A man once came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and said:
"My father has consumed all my wealth, what is the ruling?"
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
"أَنتَ وَمَالُكَ لِأَبِيكَ"
“You and your wealth both belong to your father.”
(Musnad Aḥmad 2/179 – Authentic)
In another ḥadīth, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"إِنَّ أَوْلَادَكُمْ مِنْ أَطْيَبِ كَسْبِكُمْ، فَكُلُوا مِنْ كَسْبِ أَوْلَادِكُمْ"
“Your children are from the best of your earnings, so consume from their wealth.”
These narrations clearly show that a father has the right to benefit from the wealth of his son if needed.
❖ Moral and Emotional Guidance:
✔ If parents take anything from their children's wealth for a genuine need, the child:
- Should not confront or argue with them
- Should not speak harshly
- Should remember the countless favors of the parents—from upbringing, feeding, cleaning, education, and nurturing with love
Even if a son sacrifices his own skin, he cannot repay his parents’ kindness.
❖ Real-World Observations:
◈ Those who kept their parents pleased saw blessings and peace in life
◈ Those who disrespected their parents lived in regret and hardship
Hence, a son should say:
“Not just money, even my life and body belong to you. Sell me in the market if you wish; I am your servant.”
❖ Key Juristic Guidance – Based on Intent:
❶ If the money was given as a gesture of help or support:
Then it is considered a gift, and the father is not obligated to return it.
❷ If the money was given as a loan:
Then the son has the right to ask for repayment, and the father is religiously obliged to return it.
✿ Summary:
✔ If the money was a gift, then no repayment is required from the father.
✔ If it was a loan, then repayment is obligatory on the father.
However, regardless of the situation, the son must approach the matter with utmost respect and Islamic manners, recognizing the high status and sanctity of parents in Islam.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
