What Right do Siblings Have Over Each Other?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

I was thinking about the relationships between blood brothers and sisters in Islam. After arguing with my siblings over the right they have over each other, I was left confused. What are the rights of siblings in Islam?

Answer

I pray you are well.

The general right that siblings have over each other is good treatment. This should go without saying, but sometimes, siblings and other close family members get poorer treatment than others do. This is the opposite of how things should be.

The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, was instructed to remind Quraysh of this: “Say, ‘I ask no wage from you for [guiding you], save for loving concern due to [our] relationship.’” [Quran, 42:23]

Financial Obligations

Brothers are obliged to provide for the sisters in the absence of the father or a husband, if they do not have the means to provide for themselves. There is no obligation on the sisters to provide for the brothers, however. Should either side choose to go above and beyond this they surely be rewarded by Allah.

They also have a right to inherit any money the siblings leave behind, as long as there isn’t anyone with a greater right, such as parent, spouse, or a child, as the next of kind.

These are the basic rights siblings have. Some rulings have more details, which are discussed in the appropriate books of law. [Maydani, al-Lubab]

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds, and a thriving relationship with your siblings. 

And Allah knows best

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.