⚠️ A serious Dhulm (oppression) in our communities
Many Muslim men after separation from their wives, abandon their own children financially. Some even disappear, and their families support them in this Dhulm. In Islam, this is not a small issue — it is a grave sin. Allah says: “Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted – let him spend from what Allāh has given him. Allāh does not charge a soul except [according to] what He has given it. Allāh will bring about, after hardship, ease [i.e., relief].” (Quran 65:7)
A father cannot say, “She has custody of the children, so I owe nothing.” The child’s maintenance remains his duty. Allah says: “Do not harass them (the divorced women) to make their stay unbearable… And if they nurse your child for you, then give them their payment” (Surah at-Talaq 65:6). Neglecting one’s children financially is a major sin. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Neglecting one’s own dependents is a reason enough for a man to commit a sin.” (Riyad as-Salihin 294, from Abu Dawud).
If a man repeatedly refuses to support his children, the community must stop protecting him. Families, elders, and jamaats should pressure him in lawful ways, refuse to honor his behavior, and stand for justice instead of covering up oppression. Allah says: “Stand firm for justice… even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives” (Surah an-Nisa 4:135). And the Prophet ﷺ said: “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed.” When asked how to help the oppressor, he replied: “By preventing him from oppressing others.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2444). Majid committees must enforce a boycott of such men till they repent.
Families who help such men escape responsibility are also wrong. Allah says: “Cooperate with one another in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and aggression” (Surah al-Ma’idah 5:2).
And if he still refuses, then taking the matter to the secular court to recover the children’s maintenance is not a sin.
It is a shame that when a father is alive — sometimes wealthy — yet his children (from his ex-wife) are left to survive on zakat and sadaqah. This is not the failure of the Shariah. This is the failure of the Muslim community to enforce justice and protect the rights Allah already gave to the women and children.
May Allah protect the children and hold accountable those who consume the rights of their own sons and daughters.
(Penned by Mohammed bin Thajammul Hussain Manna.)
Saheehus-Seerah 