This hadith was reported when a father (Bashir ibn Sa’d) gave a gift to one of his sons (An-Nu’man) and wanted the Prophet to witness it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked if he had given a similar gift to his other children, and when he said no, the Prophet replied with this hadith commanding fairness.
Arabic Text
الْحَدِيثُ الرَّابِع
عَن النُّعْمَانِ بْنِ بَشِيرٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ((اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ، وَاعْدِلُوا فِي أَوْلاَدِكُمْ)). رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ وَمُسْلِم
Translation(Meaning)
On the authority of An-Nu’man ibn Bashir (may Allah be pleased with them both), who said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“Fear Allah and be just among your children.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Brief Explanation:
This hadith was reported when a father (Bashir ibn Sa’d) gave a gift to one of his sons (An-Nu’man) and wanted the Prophet to witness it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked if he had given a similar gift to his other children, and when he said no, the Prophet replied with this hadith commanding fairness.
“Fear Allah” means to be conscious of Allah’s commandments and to obey Him sincerely.
“Be just with your children” means treating all your children equally in love, gifts, attention, discipline, and all rights.
This hadith emphasizes that injustice in the home is a form of disobedience to Allah and can lead to resentment, family disputes, and even spiritual harm.
Allah says in Surah An-Nahl (16:90):“Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives…” This general command includes justice within the family, especially between children.
Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8):“Be just; that is nearer to piety…”Justice is not optional, it is a duty tied to taqwa (God-consciousness), even in personal and emotional matters like family.
Surah Al-Isra (17:26): “Give the relative his right…” Every child has a right to fair treatment; this verse supports that concept.
The Prophet (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ )said: “Treat your children equally in giving gifts. If I were to prefer someone, I would prefer women.” (Ibn Majah) This hadith highlights not only equality but also consideration of the weaker or more vulnerable such as daughters, who were often neglected in pre-Islamic times.
Another version from al-Bukhari: The Prophet said: “I do not testify to injustice.” When Bashir wanted the Prophet to witness an unequal gift, he refused equating favoritism with injustice.
Why Is Justice Between Children Important?
- It teaches fairness and gives children a sense of dignity.
- It prevents jealousy, sibling rivalry, and hatred.
- It reflects Allah’s justice, encouraging children to also be just in life.
- It fulfills a parent’s Islamic duty and trust from Allah.
This hadith is a powerful reminder that parenting is not only a responsibility but also a matter of accountability before Allah. Justice within the family builds a foundation of love, harmony, and faith and failing in this duty can lead to division and lasting emotional harm.
Allah(SWT) knows best!