How can one be dutiful to a father who divorced the mother and abandoned his children for fifteen years without providing for them, while preferring his children from another wife? And should this dutifulness be by giving him a monthly sum or by merely visiting him?

A father must spend on his needy children reasonably and equitably in giving. If the father falls short in providing maintenance or favors some of his children, this does not nullify his right to dutifulness and good companionship. Dutifulness to parents is among the most obligatory duties and the best acts of drawing near (to Allah), and its levels and methods vary according to circumstances. Therefore, one must be keen on showing kindness to them and bringing joy to them, along with politeness and reverence, and beware of harming them.