What is the ruling regarding the cessation of financial maintenance for an adult son who is sound in body and mind?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Maintenance (Nafaqāt)
Primary text
According to Abu Hanifa, maintenance for a male child ceases upon reaching puberty if he is sound (sahih). Maintenance for a female child continues until she is married.
Supporting text
Malik holds a similar view, stating that maintenance for women continues until they are married and the marriage is consummated (yadkhul bihinna al-azwaj). If divorced before consummation, they remain on his maintenance; if divorced after consummation, maintenance ceases. The dominant position refutes this differentiation, asserting that since the son is a poor father or child requiring support, the condition of being sound or adult does not negate the right to maintenance.