religion state about the following matter: Zayd’s father has been blind for a long time, both of them are tailors and they prepare a number of things for the purpose of selling. The father of Zayd goes to the marketplace for several hours in order to purchase goods to sell because this is his age-old practise. Is there any Shar’i blame upon Zayd for this? Is it Haraam or Halal for the son to utilise his father’s property? They both eat together; for how long does the right of the father remain upon the son, and for how long does the son’s right remain upon the father?

A’la Hadrat رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه said: If Zayd’s father willingly goes out as it his habit, then there is no blame upon Zayd, although being considerate demands that he should allow him to rest and instead do the work himself. However, if Zayd is forcing him to do this then he is definitely sinful and incompetent. The property of the father is only Halal for the son to the extent that the father is happy with, otherwise it is Haraam. Regardless of whether they live together or are living separately, the right of the father always remains upon the son, and the son’s right also remains upon the father. Yes, there are certain rights that are limited to a certain time period, for example, when the son becomes an adult (Islamically), it is no longer Wajib upon the father to provide for him. (Fatawa Razawiyyah, vol. 23, p. 545)

The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم states, ‘The one who shows the most favour is the one who favours his father’s friends in the case of his father not being present (i.e. after the death of the father or if he goes somewhere).’ (Muslim, p. 1061, Hadith 6515) Meaning, when the father passes away or goes somewhere. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, Part 16, vol. 3, p. 551)

In another Hadith, it is stated that the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم mentioned the following in regards to being good towards parents, ‘وَاِکْرَامُ صَدِیْقِھِمَا’, meaning, ‘And honouring their friends.’ (Abu Dawood, vol. 4, p. 434, Hadith 5142)

A’la Hadrat رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه was asked: A son disobeyed his father by seizing