Is it obligatory for a father to be fair in giving gifts to his children, distinguishing between those who excel in exams and those who do not? And is fairness in giving only obligatory for the father, or does it include both the father and the mother?

Scholars have differed concerning the ruling on favoring some children over others in giving gifts, and the preponderant opinion is the obligation of equality between them. It is permissible for a father to single out some of his children for a gift or present over others if there is a reason that necessitates it, such as academic excellence, need, illness, engagement in seeking knowledge, or if the other child is a profligate or an innovator. The mother, in the ruling of equality between children, is like the father.