My father took me to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said: Allah's Messenger, bear witness that I have given such and such gift to Nu'man from my property, whereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Have you conferred upon all of your sons as you have conferred upon Nu'man? He said: No. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Call someone else besides me as a witness. And he further said: Would it, please you that they (your children) should all behave virtuously towards you? He said: Yes. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Then don't do that (i e. don't give gift to one to the exclusion of others).
The Book of Gifts - Sahih Muslim 1623 i
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim addresses the matter of parental gifts to children. The companion's father brought him before the Prophet (ﷺ) to witness a gift bestowed exclusively upon Nu'man. The Prophet's immediate response demonstrates the Islamic principle of justice among offspring.
The phrasing "Have you conferred upon all of your sons as you have conferred upon Nu'man?" establishes that preferential treatment in gifting violates Islamic equity. The Prophet's refusal to serve as witness for an unjust distribution carries profound legal and ethical implications.
Legal Rulings (Ahkam)
Scholars unanimously agree that this hadith prohibits favoring some children over others in gifts and inheritance during one's lifetime. This ruling applies to both movable and immovable property.
The exception occurs when a child has specific needs - such as illness, disability, or special circumstances - that justify additional support. In such cases, the gift should be proportional to the legitimate need.
The Prophet's rhetorical question "Would it please you that they should all behave virtuously towards you?" connects earthly justice with divine reward. Just treatment of children cultivates filial piety and family harmony.
Wisdom and Benefits
This teaching prevents envy and discord among siblings, which can fracture family bonds and lead to permanent estrangement. The prohibition protects both the parent's rights to respect and the children's rights to equitable treatment.
The hadith also teaches that witnesses should not participate in injustice, even if requested by Muslims. The Prophet's refusal to witness an unfair distribution establishes that Muslims must uphold justice even when it means declining a brother's request.
Ultimately, this guidance ensures family stability and preserves the rights of all children, reflecting Islam's comprehensive approach to social justice within the fundamental unit of society - the family.