What is the ruling on a father killing his son, and is he to be killed for it? What is the most preponderant view among the different opinions, along with the reasoning for that view?

The majority of scholars are of the opinion that a father is not to be killed for killing his son, basing their argument on the hadith "A father is not killed for [killing] his son" and on the story of Umar ibn al-Khattab with a man who killed his son. However, the authenticity of this hadith is disputed.

Conversely, a group of scholars holds that a father should be killed for killing his son, and this is the more probable view. The evidence used by the majority is weak and does not stand against the general texts indicating the obligation of retaliation (Qisas). The fact that the father is the cause of the son's existence is not a justification for his exemption; rather, the father is the one who caused his own demise by his action.

As for Imam Malik, he held the view that retaliation (Qisas) is applied to the father if he slaughtered his son or killed him intentionally beyond doubt. However, if the killing was with a sword or similar weapon, then retaliation is not applied to him.

In all cases, this issue is referred to the Sharia courts for the judge to rule what he deems closest to correctness.