What is the ruling on a father spending money on gifts and banquets for relatives who are not in need, while he is remiss in spending on his children's education, and is obedience to him obligatory in this matter?

The father acts righteously by spending money on relatives for gifts and banquets, as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Give gifts to one another, and you will love one another." And his relationship with them is important. However, extravagance that leads to inability to meet obligatory expenses is not permissible, for he, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "It is enough sin for a man to neglect those whom he is responsible for," and "Start with those whom you are responsible for."

The majority of scholars are of the opinion that the father has no right to his son's money except to the extent of his need, basing their argument on: "The wealth of a Muslim person is not lawful except with his willing consent."

Whereas the Hanbalis believe the father has an absolute right to his son's money, provided he does not harm the son, basing their argument on: "Indeed, the best of what you eat is from your earnings, and your children are from your earnings," and "You and your wealth belong to your father."

The father is advised to be economical, but if he continues his spending, he should not be denied what he asks for as long as it is not harmful, for in his pleasure lies Paradise.