Home » Hanafi Fiqh » DarulIftaBirmingham » Parents Commanding One to Earn for a Capable Sibling

Parents Commanding One to Earn for a Capable Sibling

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by DarulIftaBirmingham

Answered by: Maulana Moinul Abu Hamza

Question

A person’s parents command him to earn for his sibling who is able to earn for himself. Is it his obligation to carry out his parent’s command in this case? What should he do in such a case?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

No-one has total authority over people, not even Prophets. Our beloved Prophet (pbuh) suggested things to people outside of the realm of worship, and at times people did not take heed of his request and they were not condemned. Hence, between parents over the children, or husband over the wife and vice versa, the authority they have over each is limited and not limitless.

It is the job for the parents to fulfil the right of their children equally, even if they love one child over another in their hearts. Each adult child has the responsibility to earn their rizq for themselves and their dependents, and so there is no obedience to parents in this regard when it comes to working to provide for one’s sibling. Had your sibling been disabled or mentally ill, then that is different. And if you chose to help your brother and keep your parents happy that would also be permissible. However, often when we do good for people in ways that they don’t deserve, undeserving people have their laziness validated and this emboldens them.

Consequently, it would be wise to make a clear distinction that you will help – but not because you have to. Otherwise, you don’t need to do this as this does not fall under the scope of the rights of parents over their child.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Moinul Abu Hamza

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmiingham

This answer was collected from DarulIftaBirmingham.co.uk, which is run under the supervision of Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah from the United Kingdom.

Read answers with similar topics: