What Are a Son’s Rights When His Parents Are Divorced, Before He Is Financially Independent?
Answered by Shaykh Muhammad Carr
Question
What rights does a son have when his parents are divorced until he is financially independent? Are there any? I have been dealing with severe depression and am presently undergoing therapy due to suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, my parents perceive it as a financial burden. I feel lost and don’t know what to do anymore.
My parent persists in mocking me with hurtful words, suggesting that evil is ingrained in my nature, which negatively affects my mental well-being. Nevertheless, I am trying to remain patient in the face of these challenges.
Answer
Please remain patient and optimistic. The help of Allah is near.
If you cannot financially support yourself due to illness, the responsibility falls upon your parents. Khatib explains, “The required financial maintenance is due for an indigent ascendant or descendant unable to earn due to weakness. Baghawi adds a person unable to earn due to sickness or blindness.” [Khatib, Mughni al-Muhtaj]
Financial Independence
While your parents currently bear responsibility for your financial well-being due to your circumstances, consistently striving for financial independence and self-sufficiency is essential.
The Prophet (May Allah bless him and give him peace) emphasized, “And whoever seeks self-sufficiency, Allah will make them self-sufficient.”
Marital Status of Parents
Your parents’ marital status does not affect their financial responsibility towards their children.
Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
I am sorry that you are going through such a difficult time. Judging by the severity of your condition, please contact a local mental health expert as soon as possible to assist you.
It is important to remember that you are not alone; you have Allah. Allah will not burden you with more than you can bear.
Please go through the links and answers below that are sure to assist with your depression.
How to Get Rid of Suicidal Thoughts and Depression?
Am I to Blame for My Chronic Illness?
Are There Any Supplications for My Health Issues?
Being Balanced – Emotional and Mental Health – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat (seekersguidance.org)
I pray this is of benefit and Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Muhammad Carr
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Muhammad Carr has dedicated his life to studying and transmitting our beautiful deen. His studies have taken him around the globe, where he has benefitted from many luminaries. Under the guidance of his teachers – Shaykh Taha Karan, Shaykh Yaseen Abbas, Shaykh Muadh Ali and many others – Shaykh Muhammad has grown to appreciate the beauty and benefits of diverse scholarship. He completed his memorization of the Qur’an at Dar al-Ulum Zakariyyah in September 1997 and received an Alimiyya Degree in 2006 from DUAI (Darul Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah). He is also affiliated with Masjid Auwal in Bo Kaap, Cape Town (the oldest mosque in South Africa), where he serves as a co-imam, and Dar Al-Safa, where he has taught since 2018. As a teacher, he imparts the wisdom of our heritage and tradition by opening the door for students. As an imam, he has the unique opportunity to serve his community in daily life.
In addition to his roles as a teacher and imam, Shaykh Muhammad Carr has contributed significantly to the administrative and advisory aspects of Islamic institutions. Since 2023, he has served as the Administrative Director at The Imam Kurani Institute, contributing to the institution’s growth and development. He continues to pursue traditional Islamic Sciences, possessing a keen interest in Islamic Contract Law and Finance. Shaykh Muhammad has been a Shari’ah Board Member for Islamic Asset Management & Insurance Companies since 2001, aligning financial practices with Islamic principles.
