What should I do about my brothers' demand that I relinquish half of the house that my father gifted to me and registered in my name in court 15 years ago, especially given that I helped my father build it, that my father was forcibly brought to court to file a lawsuit against me, and that I consulted scholars who stated that my father's action was not unlawful?

To know the answer, three issues should be considered:

1. If the questioner's contribution to building her father's house was with the intention of donation and maintaining kinship ties, she is not entitled to anything in return. However, if she intended to recover what she spent, then it is a debt owed by her father. 2. It is not permissible to favor some children in giving gifts unless there is a legitimate reason. Among the legitimate reasons is for a parent to single out for a gift one who has financially assisted him, as a form of reward. Justice must be observed in the amount of the gift, such that it is proportionate to the value of the assistance provided. Anything beyond that is considered a gift without a legitimate reason and must be returned to the parent. 3. A gift becomes binding upon possession and taking hold of it, and it is not permissible to revoke it except for a parent regarding what he has given to his child.

The questioner is advised to reconcile with her siblings, even if it means losing some worldly possessions, for there is good and benefit in that for maintaining kinship ties and reconciling differences.