Fatwa ID: 01995

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

Dear Mufti Sb.
I have a question regarding child benefits in UK.
if I have 3 children do i need to have a separate account for each child and keep the money separate, or is it allowed to have one kitty and use from there for the kids. Keeping separate would also mean each time getting something for them i would have to keep 3 separate pouches in my wallet for each child. One kitty makes easy. But what is the Shari ruling?

Answer:

Yes, it will be permissible for you to have every child’s money in one kitty. Your scenario is similar to the instructions laid down by the Sharia regarding orphans wealth.  The Holy Qur’an tells us that we should not cheat the orphans by mixing our wealth with theirs, our property and goods with theirs, and then giving them the faulty, defective, or unworthy things:

“To orphans restore their property (When they reach their age), nor substitute (your) worthless things for (their) good ones; and devour not their substance (by mixing it up) with your own. For this is indeed a great sin.” (Surah Nisa v.2)

The guardians should not abuse their responsibility by devouring the orphan’s wealth while the child is still young – the rich shouldn’t even touch a penny, and the poor may take only out of necessity and according to their need. (Durre Mandhuud p.64 v.5)

Allah in the Holy Qur’an says:

“Make trial of orphans until they reach the age of marriage; if then you find sound judgment in them, release their property to them; but consume it not wastefully, nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well off, Let him claim no remuneration, but if he is poor, let him have for himself what is just and reasonable. When ye release their property to them, take witnesses in their presence: But all-sufficient is Allah in taking account.” (Surah Nisa v.6)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.