Is it a sin for children to file a lawsuit against their father demanding alimony, which led to his imprisonment, and then for them to drop the lawsuit?
A father's financial support for his children is obligatory. If he falls short in this, they have the right to take their due in a reasonable manner without his knowledge, based on the hadith of Hind. If this is not possible and he refuses, then scholars should be enlisted to remind him of the stern warning against neglecting financial support for dependents. If he persists and his case is taken to court and the judge deems it appropriate to punish him, there is no sin upon them; rather, the sin is upon him. There is no harm in their action of taking his case to court, and their forgiveness of him so that he may be released from prison is a beautiful act of kindness. Furthermore, honoring one's parents is obligatory, even if they fall short.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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