A Daughter’s Responsibility To Support Her Parents

Children, both male and female are equal in duties and responsibilities to their parents in the aspects of love, obedience, respect and honour. As for financial responsibilities, the Fuqahaa (jurists) have mentioned that it Waajib (necessary) upon the children to look after their poor parents even if they, the parents have the ability to earn a living. If the parents are rich and well off, then it is not Waaajib (necessary) upon the children to financially support the parents. Since men are usually the breadwinners, it is expected that the menfolk alone do the maintenance of the family affairs which includes supporting the parents.

However, the Fuqahaa have stated that daughters are equally responsible for financially supporting their parents, provided that they are financially able to do so, whether they are married or not. In the case mentioned in the query, the daughter has her own income. Therefore, it will be necessary upon her to equally financially support her poor parents along with her brother, if she has a similar income to that of his.