Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 353
Prohibition of giving preference to Children over one another in giving Gifts, etc.

1773.  An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) said: My father took me to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said to him: "I have gifted one of my slaves to this son of mine.'' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Have you given such gift to every son of yours?'' He replied, "No.'' Thereupon he said, "Take this gift back.''

     Another narration is: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Be mindful of your obligation to Allah and do justice in respect of your children.'' My father came back and revoked his gift.

     Another narration is: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) asked, "Have you other children besides this one?'' He said, "Yes.'' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) asked, "Have you awarded a gift like this to all of them.'' He said, "No.'' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "I am not going to bear witness to this act of injustice.''

    Another narration is: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) asked, "Do you not except goodness from all of them as you except from him?'' He said, "Yes, of course.'' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Then don't do this (i.e., do not give a gift to one son only).''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: We learn from this Hadith the following important points:  

1. In every matter, one should consult scholars and experts of Shari`ah. This was the practice of the Companions (May Allah be pleased with them).

2. Parents should deal with all their children with equity and justice. Preferential treatment with any child affects them adversely. Obviously injustice creates tension for parents as well as children and eventually family ties are broken.

3. This Hadith is also advanced by those `Ulama' in support of their contention that if a person wants to distribute his property among his children during his lifetime, he should not make any discrimination among his male and female children and should give an equal share to all of them.