What is the legal ruling on a father withholding the agreed-upon monthly allowance from his sons and daughters after his marriage, making it conditional on him receiving all of their deceased mother’s money, even though he is only entitled to one-quarter of it?

The financial maintenance of children is obligatory upon their father if they are poor, possessing neither wealth nor income. However, if they are well-off, having sufficient wealth or income, then there is no obligation for their maintenance.

If the children inherit from their mother what suffices for their maintenance, then their father is not obligated to spend on them.

It is not permissible for the father to take all of his wife's inheritance for himself; he is entitled to only one-quarter of the estate, unless the children willingly give him something from their share.

The father should adhere to the limits set by Allah regarding his wife's estate and spend on his children who are entitled to maintenance in a reasonable manner. Even if it is not obligatory upon him, it is better to fulfill his promise of spending.

The children, in turn, must honor their father and treat him kindly, regardless of his situation.