How can a person honor his father who has wronged him, humiliated him, and neglected him since birth? And is he obligated to obey a father who asks him to abandon his mother and grandmother?

Islam obliges fathers to treat their children equally in gifts, treatment, care, and upbringing, because it is more conducive to children's dutifulness towards their fathers and to removing animosity. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, explained this by saying: "Would it please you that they be equally dutiful to you?"

Therefore, a father's favoritism among his children is Islamically forbidden. However, the son must endure this trial and be kind to his father and siblings. Whoever patiently endures Allah's decree will receive a great reward, and Allah Almighty will grant him assistance.

As for obeying the father in abandoning the mother and grandmother, it is not binding on the son, and he should communicate with them without the father's knowledge. The son should seek Allah's help in his studies, in the success of his affairs, and in obtaining a suitable job. He should be patient, pray, supplicate, and be kind to his father, for Allah rewards the patient without measure and repels evil with good.

The son must also know that this world is a place of trial, that the prophets are the most afflicted of people, and that Allah Almighty tests those whom He loves. Whoever is content will receive contentment. And his affliction is in worldly matters, not in his religion.

Finally, he must adhere to obedience to Allah and His piety, for therein lies the solution to his problems, the relief of his worries, the facilitation of his affairs, and the rectification of his circumstances. He should constantly supplicate: "O Ever-Living, O Sustainer! By Your mercy I seek help. Rectify all my affairs and do not leave me to myself even for the blink of an eye," and "O Allah, there is no ease except that which You make easy, and You make grief easy if You wish."