Fatwa No : 83845
The Ruling and Method of Distributing Property During One’s Lifetime

The Ruling and Method of Distributing Property During One’s Lifetime

What do the esteemed scholars and respected Muftis say regarding the following issue that our parents are alive, and they wish to distribute their property during their lifetime. We are five brothers and six sisters. Therefore, in this situation, kindly explain in detail what ruling Shariah gives concerning such distribution, so that we may act upon it and be rewarded by Allah. May Allah Almighty grant you reward in this world and the Hereafter.
(Note): It should be clarified that our father has already arranged the marriages of two of our brothers and four of our sisters, while the remaining children are still unmarried. The question arises: will the marriage expenses of those who are unmarried also be borne by our father—that is, should these expenses be deducted from the joint property before its distribution? Enclosed with this request is a written declaration from our father.
Attached Declaration:
First Party: (Name ………)
I entrust the matter of distributing my property among my children to the Muftis of Binori Town. I wish for my property to be distributed in accordance with Shariah, under the decision of Binori Town, and my children will have no objection to it. I have written these few lines so that they may serve as a record. This document bears the signatures of my sons.
Father: …………………
Son: …………………
Son: …………………
Son: …………………
Son: …………………
Son: …………………
(All duly signed.)

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

If the parents, during their lifetime and in a state of good health, wish to distribute their wealth and property among their children purely out of their own free will and without any compulsion, then such an act is undoubtedly permissible and valid. In Shariah, this form of distribution is termed hiba (gift). The better and recommended method is that the parents first, with due consideration, set aside whatever portion they wish to retain for themselves, and then divide the remaining wealth and property into equal shares, giving each son and daughter their share along with full and lawful possession. If, however, they wish to give one of the sons or daughters something extra on account of need, piety, or service, this too is permissible. But without a valid reason, they must not deprive any child completely, for doing so is sinful.

مأخَذُ الفَتوی

و في حاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار): (قوله كما حققه مفتي دمشق إلخ) أقول: حاصل ما ذكره في الرسالة المذكورة أنه ورد في الحديث أنه - صلى الله عليه وسلم - قال «سووا بين أولادكم في العطية ولو كنت مؤثرا أحدا لآثرت النساء على الرجال» رواه سعيد في سننه و في صحيح مسلم من حديث النعمان بن بشير «اتقوا الله واعدلوا في أولادكم» فالعدل من حقوق الأولاد في العطايا والوقف عطية فيسوي بين الذكر والأنثى، لأنهم فسروا العدل في الأولاد بالتسوية في العطايا حال الحياة. و في الخانية ولو وهب شيئا لأولاده في الصحة، وأراد تفضيل البعض على البعض روي عن أبي حنيفة لا بأس به إذا كان التفضيل لزيادة فضل في الدين وإن كانوا سواء يكره وروى المعلى عن أبي يوسف أنه لا بأس به إذا لم يقصد الإضرار وإلا سوى بينهم وعليه الفتوى وقال محمد: ويعطي للذكر ضعف الأنثى، و في التتارخانية معزيا إلى تتمة الفتاوى قال: ذكر في الاستحسان في كتاب الوقف، وينبغي للرجل أن يعدل بين أولاده في العطايا والعدل في ذلك التسوية بينهم اھ (4/ 444)۔