What is the Sharia ruling on children choosing to side with their religious mother against a father who is not committed to religion and mistreats his wife and children financially, emotionally, and physically? Do they have the right to treat him violently, forcibly separate him from their mother, or testify against him in court? Is this considered cutting off ties of kinship?

Filial piety is obligatory even if the father is negligent, and he must be advised gently. Striking one's wife and children for discipline is permissible within legitimate Islamic guidelines; otherwise, it is not. A son is permitted to prevent his father from unjustly striking his mother, as this is aiding the oppressed and deterring the oppressor. Testifying for or against one's parents is permissible, provided no bias or favoritism is shown. The father's slandering of his son does not necessitate the prescribed punishment (حد) according to the majority of scholars.