Exposition of the Hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i

This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i 3687 emphasizes the paramount importance of justice and equity in parental treatment of children. The repetition in the Prophet's statement "treat your children fairly" serves to emphasize the gravity and necessity of this injunction.

Scholarly Commentary on Fair Treatment

Classical scholars explain that fairness ('adl) encompasses both material and emotional aspects. Material fairness includes equal distribution of gifts, inheritance, and financial support according to Islamic guidelines.

Emotional fairness requires equal affection, time, attention, and praise. Imam Nawawi noted that showing preference to one child over others can breed resentment and destroy family harmony.

Practical Applications

Scholars delineate that fairness does not necessarily mean identical treatment, but rather treatment appropriate to each child's needs, age, and circumstances. However, in matters of gifts and financial matters, strict equality is required unless there is a legitimate religious reason for differentiation.

Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi emphasized that parental favoritism constitutes oppression (dhulm) and may lead children to disobedience and severance of family ties.

Spiritual Dimensions

This teaching reflects Islam's comprehensive approach to justice, beginning within the family unit. Al-Ghazali noted that household justice trains the soul for broader social justice.

The repetition in the hadith indicates this matter's importance in building righteous families and communities, as family is the foundation of the Ummah.