Written by: The Saudi Fatwa Committee
"Fear Allah and be just among your children."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2587 | Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1622/18]
Furthermore, the Prophet (ﷺ) also stated:
"I do not bear witness to injustice."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2650 | Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1266/14]
He (ﷺ) refused to be a witness to such an act and instructed, "Find someone else to witness this."
[Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith No. 2375]
Inheritance-Based Fairness:
When distributing gifts out of goodwill, a father should follow the Islamic inheritance structure—that is, a male receives twice the share of a female.
However, if a father gives something to fulfill a specific need, fairness means that each child should be given according to their needs—even if it results in one child receiving more than the others.
This is haram (forbidden), and such a will is invalid.
The wealth must be returned to the inheritance and distributed among all heirs according to Islamic law. The younger children do not have an automatic right to receive the same amount that was spent on their elder siblings' marriages.
[Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen: Noor ‘Ala al-Darb, 12/247]
Prohibition of Unequal Treatment in Gifts
In response to this matter, we say that favoring some children over others in gifts is haram (prohibited). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade this practice. When Bashir bin Sa'd al-Ansari preferred his son Nu'man over his other children in giving a gift, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:"Fear Allah and be just among your children."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2587 | Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1622/18]
Furthermore, the Prophet (ﷺ) also stated:
"I do not bear witness to injustice."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2650 | Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1266/14]
He (ﷺ) refused to be a witness to such an act and instructed, "Find someone else to witness this."
[Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith No. 2375]
The Principle of Fairness in Gifts
It is impermissible for a parent to show favoritism among their children when giving gifts. Instead, equal distribution should be maintained, just as Allah has decreed fairness among them in inheritance. Inheritance-Based Fairness:When distributing gifts out of goodwill, a father should follow the Islamic inheritance structure—that is, a male receives twice the share of a female.
However, if a father gives something to fulfill a specific need, fairness means that each child should be given according to their needs—even if it results in one child receiving more than the others.
Example of Need-Based Distribution
- If an older son needs books and stationery for his education, the father may give him money to purchase them.
- If the younger children do not need such items yet, they do not have to receive the same amount at that time.
- When they reach the same stage and require the same resources, they should then receive an equal amount.
Issue of Unequal Wills (Wasiyyah) for Unmarried Children
Some parents marry off their elder children during their lifetime and later make a will (wasiyyah) for their younger children, stating that they should receive an equivalent amount from the inheritance to cover their future marriage expenses. This is haram (forbidden), and such a will is invalid.The wealth must be returned to the inheritance and distributed among all heirs according to Islamic law. The younger children do not have an automatic right to receive the same amount that was spent on their elder siblings' marriages.
[Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen: Noor ‘Ala al-Darb, 12/247]