Fatwa No : 83030
Distribution of One's Plot Among Children During Lifetime

Distribution of One's Plot Among Children During Lifetime

What do the respected Islamic scholars say about the following matter: I own a residential plot measuring 240 square yards with four rooms. I wish to gift this plot to my children. I have five sons and three daughters. Can I gift this entire plot jointly and equally to all of them?

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

The mentioned action of the questioner is permissible and valid. The better way to carry it out is to keep a portion of the property for his own residential needs and then equally divide the remaining property among all his children—sons and daughters—while also granting each of them formal ownership and possession of their respective shares, so that they are considered legal owners according to Islamic law. However, if the person wishes to give a larger share to a particular son or daughter due to their neediness, service, piety, etc., this is also permissible. But even in such a case, granting actual ownership and possession is a necessary condition.

مأخَذُ الفَتوی

کما فى الدر المختار : (و تتم)الهبة (بالقبض) الكامل (و لو الموهوب شاغلا لملك الواهب لا مشغولا به)(5/690)۔
و في الهندیۃ : و لو وهب رجل شيأ لاولاده فى الصحة و أراد تفضيل البعض على البعض (الى قوله)لا بأس به اذا لم يقصد به الاضرار سوى بينهم يعطى الابنة مثل ما يعطى للابن و عليه الفتوى الخ (4/391)۔
و فى بدائع الصنائع : و ينبغي للرجل أن يعدل بين اولاده في النحلى لقوله سبحانه و تعالى (إن الله يأمر بالعدل و الاحسان)اهـ (6/127)۔