Is accepting a gift or bequest from one's father obligatory?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Bequests
Primary text
It is recommended (*Mustahabb*) for a person to accept what his father gifts him or bequeaths to him. This is the position held by Al-Shafi'i. The evidence supporting the view that acceptance is not obligatory rests on the principle that accepting the gift constitutes acquiring ownership over the father's obligation (such as freeing a slave, if that were the case, without requiring compensation from the son). Furthermore, accepting it imposes a burden (*Minna*) upon the father, obligating the son to provide for his father's sustenance and clothing, which is a detriment that the son is not compelled to accept.
Supporting text
It is plausible that accepting such a gift or bequest becomes obligatory because it involves freeing the father without the son incurring any financial obligation. This viewpoint suggests a duty to accept based on the nature of the benefit conferred upon the father.