Who receives priority for sustenance when a father and son are present?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Maintenance (Nafaqāt)
Primary text
If the son is minor or insane, he is prioritized because his sustenance is obligatory by explicit text (Nass), and he is incapable of earning, whereas the father might be able to earn. If the son is adult and the father is infirm, the father is prioritized due to the stronger sanctity of his status and the severity of his need. The reasoning for prioritizing the father relies on his stronger claim based on need and sanctity, even if the son's obligation is based on explicit text.
Supporting text
There are three views regarding priority when both the son and father are healthy and poor. The first view dictates parity (equality) between them due to equal closeness and corresponding rank. The second view prioritizes the son because his sustenance obligation is based on explicit text. The third view prioritizes the father due to the greater sanctity of his status.