My father donated to me some of his property. My mother Amra bint Rawaha said: I shall not be pleased (with this act) until you make Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) a witness to it. My father went to Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) in order to make him the witness of the donation given to me. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to him: Have you done the same with every son of yours? He said: No. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Fear Allah, and observe equity in case of your children. My father returned and got back the gift.
The Book of Gifts - Sahih Muslim 1623 e
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This narration from Sahih Muslim presents a fundamental principle in Islamic inheritance and family justice. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) established the paramount importance of equitable treatment among children in matters of financial gifts and inheritance.
Scholarly Commentary
The mother's insistence on involving the Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrates the early community's awareness that family matters require religious guidance. Her wisdom prevented potential future discord among siblings.
The Prophet's question "Have you done the same with every son of yours?" reveals the Islamic principle that preferential treatment in financial matters creates injustice (zulm) within the family structure. This applies to both gifts during one's lifetime and posthumous inheritance.
The command "Fear Allah, and observe equity in case of your children" establishes this as a religious obligation, not merely social advice. The father's immediate compliance by retrieving the gift demonstrates the Companions' exemplary submission to Prophetic guidance.
Legal Implications
Classical scholars derived from this hadith that voluntary gifts to children should be distributed equally, regardless of gender or other considerations. This prevents animosity and maintains family harmony.
The ruling applies specifically to gifts beyond basic maintenance and education. Necessary expenses for children's welfare may vary according to legitimate needs without violating this principle.
This prophetic guidance complements the fixed shares of inheritance prescribed in the Quran, together forming a comprehensive system of intergenerational wealth transfer that honors both divine law and family bonds.