A prominent Islamic scholar, Dr. Muktar Yola, has clarified the Islamic position on whether a father can sell his son’s property without the son’s knowledge, addressing a question that has generated debate among many Muslims.
Speaking during an Islamic lecture, Dr. Yola responded to a question on the validity of a transaction in which a father sells his son’s property without first informing or seeking the son’s approval.
According to him, the issue should not be understood in isolation, as it is connected to a well-known Prophetic tradition often quoted as: “You and your property belong to your father.”
Dr. Yola explained that while the hadith recognises the special rights parents have over their children, it does not give parents unrestricted authority to dispose of their children’s property in ways that cause harm or injustice.
He noted that Islamic scholars have discussed the hadith extensively and concluded that a father may benefit from his child’s wealth under specific conditions, particularly when there is genuine need and provided such actions do not inflict hardship on the child.
“The statement, ‘You and your property belong to your father,’ should not be interpreted to mean that a parent can arbitrarily seize or dispose of a child’s possessions without regard for justice or the child’s welfare,” he said.
Addressing the specific scenario of a father selling his son’s property without the son’s knowledge, Dr. Yola said the validity of the transaction depends on the circumstances surrounding the sale.
He explained that if the father acted within the limits permitted under Islamic law and the sale served a legitimate purpose without violating the son’s rights, some scholars may regard the transaction as valid.
However, if the sale was conducted unfairly, out of personal interest, or resulted in injustice or financial loss to the son, the transaction could be challenged under Islamic legal principles.
Dr. Yola stressed that Islam strongly encourages transparency, consultation and mutual respect within families, especially in matters involving wealth and inheritance.
He added that children are expected to honour and respect their parents, while parents are equally required to protect the rights and property of their children.
On whether the son’s rejection alone automatically invalidates the sale, Dr. Yola explained that the answer depends on whether the transaction fulfilled the conditions laid down by Islamic jurisprudence. A simple rejection by the son does not necessarily nullify the sale, just as parental involvement alone does not automatically make every transaction lawful.
The scholar urged Muslims facing such disputes to seek guidance from qualified Islamic scholars or competent Shariah courts to ensure that both parental rights and the rights of children are upheld in accordance with Islamic teachings.
He concluded by reminding Muslims that family relationships should be built on trust, fairness and compassion, saying that financial disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and adherence to the principles of justice established in Islam.
