Hadith Text

"that his father took him to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, 'I have given this son of mine a slave.' The Prophet asked, 'Have you given all your sons the like?' He replied in the negative. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Take back your gift then.'"

Source Reference

Book: Gifts

Author: Sahih al-Bukhari

Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 2586

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the fundamental Islamic principle of justice ('adl) in treatment of one's children. The Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited favoring some children over others in gifts, as this breeds resentment, breaks familial bonds, and constitutes injustice.

Scholars explain that equal treatment applies to gifts given during one's lifetime, while inheritance distribution follows the fixed shares ordained in the Quran. The wisdom behind this ruling is to prevent envy and hatred among siblings, which disrupts family harmony.

The Prophet's immediate command to "take back your gift" demonstrates the seriousness of this matter. This ruling applies to both male and female children, and encompasses all forms of gifts - whether property, money, or other valuables.

If one wishes to give a particular child something extra due to special circumstances (such as need, disability, or outstanding service to parents), this should be done discreetly and with proper justification that other children would understand and accept.

Legal Rulings Derived

• Equal treatment among children in gifts is obligatory (wajib)

• Favoritism in gifts is prohibited (haram)

• An unequal gift must be retracted or balanced

• This ruling applies regardless of the children's gender

• The prohibition covers all valuable gifts and donations