Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance™

What does the Shariah say regarding the obligation of supporting one’s children?

Both men and women are equally obligated to support their children until the child reaches adulthood, including those of their Muslim or non-Muslim children (grandchildren, great grandchildren, and their direct descendants) stricken by poverty (obligatory only when there is poverty), even if these children grow to adulthood while they are still impoverished.

The obligation of support rests on parents who have the means to do so once they have paid the typical maintenance for themselves (and one’s wife, if a husband) necessary for one day before spending it on one’s children. In order to satisfy the obligation to support one’s child, which includes repaying any debts the child incurs in order to cover the child’s living expenses, one is even obligated to sell one’s own property in excess of one’s needs.

The right of the younger child comes before the right of the older one (respectively for grandchildren, great grandchildren, and their direct descendants); but the right of one’s parent comes before the right of one’s child; though this precedence is only relevant in the absence of sufficient funds to support everyone; male and female children have an equal right to maintenance.

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