What is the ruling on choosing a desired specialization, despite contradicting the father's opinion, along with the potential consequences of his anger and displeasure that may result from this?
A father should not force his son into a specialization he dislikes, as this spoils his talents and abilities. People differ in temperaments and inclinations, and each is facilitated for what he was created for. Parents must observe individual differences among their children to ensure their success. If the son possesses understanding and good memory, he should be directed towards knowledge. If he is inclined towards horsemanship, he should be enabled in it. And if he is inclined towards a permissible craft, he should be helped with it. The important thing is that the son is taught what he needs from his religion, and then enabled to pursue the permissible specializations he desires. If the father insists on a specific specialization that the son dislikes, then obedience is not obligatory, nor is it considered disobedience. For parents do not have the right to compel a child to marry someone he does not want, or to eat what he does not want. So how can it be permissible for a matter that involves many years of studying a subject he does not love?
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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