I heard An-Nu`man bin Bashir on the pulpit saying, "My father gave me a gift but `Amra bint Rawaha (my mother) said that she would not agree to it unless he made Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as a witness to it. So, my father went to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, 'I have given a gift to my son from `Amra bint Rawaha, but she ordered me to make you as a witness to it, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)!' Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked, 'Have you given (the like of it) to everyone of your sons?' He replied in the negative. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, 'Be afraid of Allah, and be just to your children.' My father then returned and took back his gift."
Context and Significance
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 2587 addresses the crucial Islamic principle of justice (ʿadl) in parental treatment of children. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) intervened when a father showed favoritism by giving a gift to only one son, establishing that such partiality violates both divine law and familial ethics.
Legal Ruling on Gifts
Scholars derive from this hadith that gifts to children should be distributed equally among them, regardless of gender or age. Partiality in gifting is prohibited (haram) as it breeds resentment and severs family ties.
The exception occurs when one child has a specific need - such as illness, disability, or educational requirements - where additional support becomes a necessity rather than mere preference.
Maternal Wisdom
ʿAmra bint Rawāḥa's insistence on the Prophet's witness demonstrates profound wisdom. She recognized the potential harm of favoritism and sought prophetic guidance to prevent future discord among her children, exemplifying ideal parental responsibility.
Prophetic Methodology
The Prophet (ﷺ) first inquired about the father's treatment of his other children before issuing guidance. This approach highlights the importance of understanding circumstances before ruling, and his gentle admonition "Be afraid of Allah" connects the action to divine consciousness (taqwā).
Practical Implementation
Classical scholars like Imam al-Nawawi ruled that if unequal gifts were given, the favored child must return the excess or siblings must receive equivalent value. This ensures family harmony and upholds the prophetic command for justice in all dealings, especially within the household.