❀ Preferring One Child Over Others in Wealth and Gifts ❀
This ruling is taken from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the fatwas of the Scholars of the Ḥaramayn, translated by Ḥāfiẓ ʿAbdullāh Salīm.
Is it permissible for me to give something to one of my children while withholding it from another just because that child is already well-off?
It is not permissible for you to give something to some of your children while depriving others. According to the principles of Sharīʿah guidance, it is obligatory to practice justice and fairness among your children in giving gifts.
You must either give to all or withhold from all.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاعْدِلُوا بَيْنَ أَوْلَادِكُمْ»
[Muttafaqun ʿAlayh – Agreed upon]
"Fear Allah and treat your children equally."
① If all children are content with preferential treatment given to one sibling (e.g., one child is in need and the others are not),
➤ It is permissible, provided they are mature (bāligh) and sensible (rāshid) and willingly agree to this arrangement.
② If one child is ill, disabled, or unable to earn,
➤ And has no one to provide for them—neither a father, sibling, nor government assistance,
➤ Then it is permissible to spend on them exclusively as per their needs, until Allah grants them independence.
(Fatwa by: Shaykh Ibn Bāz رحمه الله)
This ruling is taken from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the fatwas of the Scholars of the Ḥaramayn, translated by Ḥāfiẓ ʿAbdullāh Salīm.
❖ Question:
Is it permissible for me to give something to one of my children while withholding it from another just because that child is already well-off?
❖ Answer:
It is not permissible for you to give something to some of your children while depriving others. According to the principles of Sharīʿah guidance, it is obligatory to practice justice and fairness among your children in giving gifts.
You must either give to all or withhold from all.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاعْدِلُوا بَيْنَ أَوْلَادِكُمْ»
[Muttafaqun ʿAlayh – Agreed upon]
"Fear Allah and treat your children equally."
✔ Exceptions to Equal Treatment:
① If all children are content with preferential treatment given to one sibling (e.g., one child is in need and the others are not),
➤ It is permissible, provided they are mature (bāligh) and sensible (rāshid) and willingly agree to this arrangement.
② If one child is ill, disabled, or unable to earn,
➤ And has no one to provide for them—neither a father, sibling, nor government assistance,
➤ Then it is permissible to spend on them exclusively as per their needs, until Allah grants them independence.
(Fatwa by: Shaykh Ibn Bāz رحمه الله)
