Is it obligatory to return the monthly allowance I took from my children, knowing that I provided for their university education and my financial situation is now weak and I am in debt?

The money given to children as a reward from their schools is their property. The father has guardianship over the money of his minor, non-adult children. Thus, he is permitted to receive their money and manage it in a way that serves their best interest, and to spend from it on their education. A father is also permitted to take from his child’s money when in need, and is not obligated to return it, due to the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: “You and your wealth belong to your father.” Ibn Qudamah is of the view that a father may take from his child’s money whatever he wishes and possess it, provided that he does not harm the child or take what the child needs, and that he does not take from his child’s money to give it to another. Meanwhile, Abu Hanifa, Malik, and Al-Shafi’i are of the view that a father may only take from his child’s money according to his need.