My father conferred a gift upon me, and then brought me to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) to make him a witness (to it). He (the Holy Prophet) said: Have you given such gift to every son of yours (as you have given to Nu'man)? He said: No. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Don't you expect goodness from them as you expect from him? He said: Yes. of course. He (the Holy Prophet) said: I am not going to bear witness to it (as it is injustice). Ibn Aun (one of the narrators) said: I narrated this hadith to Muhammad (the other narrator) who said: Verily we narrated that lie (the Holy Prophet) had said: Observe equity amongst your children.
The Book of Gifts - Sahih Muslim 1623j
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This narration from Sahih Muslim contains profound wisdom regarding justice among children in matters of gifting. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) refused to witness an act of preferential treatment, teaching us that parental fairness is a religious obligation.
Context and Background
Nu'man ibn Bashir's father gave him a gift and sought the Prophet's testimony. The Prophet's immediate inquiry about equal treatment to all children reveals Islam's emphasis on familial justice. This occurred in Medina, where the Islamic community was being established on principles of equity.
Scholarly Commentary
The Prophet's question "Have you given such gift to every son of yours?" establishes the principle of equal treatment. His subsequent question "Don't you expect goodness from them as you expect from him?" connects earthly justice with spiritual expectations. The refusal to witness injustice demonstrates that religious testimony cannot validate wrongdoing.
Classical scholars like Imam Nawawi explain that preferential treatment breeds resentment among children and damages family unity. The command "Observe equity amongst your children" applies to all forms of favoritism, whether in gifts, attention, or inheritance beyond obligatory shares.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This hadith establishes that voluntary gifts during lifetime must be distributed equally among children of same gender. Scholars differentiate between compulsory inheritance (which has fixed shares) and voluntary gifts (which require equality). The wisdom prevents future conflicts and maintains children's rights to parental affection and provision.
Practical Application
Muslim parents should maintain meticulous equality in gifts, educational opportunities, and financial support. Exceptions are only permitted with valid reasons (like special needs) and with other children's understanding. The prophetic example teaches that family harmony is essential for communal righteousness.