I have donated this slave of mine to my son. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Have you donated to every one of your sons (a slave) like this? He said: No. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace he upon him) said: Then take him back.
The Book of Gifts - Sahih Muslim 1623a
This narration from Sahih Muslim addresses the important Islamic principle of justice and equal treatment among children in matters of gifting and inheritance.
Scholarly Commentary
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) established that parents must maintain equity among their children when giving gifts. Favoring one child over others creates injustice and fosters resentment within the family.
The command to "take him back" demonstrates that such preferential treatment is not permissible in Islam. This ruling applies to all forms of gifts, not merely slaves, as the underlying principle is universal justice.
Classical scholars emphasize that this hadith establishes one of the fundamental rights of children - the right to equal treatment in parental gifts, unless there is a legitimate religious reason for differentiation.
Legal Implications
This ruling forms the basis for Islamic inheritance and gift laws requiring equal distribution among children of the same gender.
The prohibition against favoring some children over others extends to both lifetime gifts and testamentary bequests, ensuring family harmony and preventing discord.