Avoiding Father’s Instructions due to His Mental State

Question:

Assalamu aleikum,

My father has left some of his money in my custody. Due to old age and sickness his judgment has deteriorated the last few years. It happens that he asks me to change the money to another currency and after some time he usually tells me to change it back to the original currency.

If I explain to him that this changing of money is unnecessary and only invokes exchange fees, he becomes upset and suspects that I am trying to steal the money from him, so I just do it, even though he only loses out on it.

In this situation, is it permissible to, instead of changing the money, lie and say; I changed the money; even though I didn’t do it, knowing that he soon will want to change it back? It would be for his own best.

Answer:

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Respected Brother

At the outset there are two issues which need to be taken into consideration. Firstly you should analyse your fathers mental condition and weigh the situation, if you feel that your dad’s understanding of matters is 100 % then you should do as he orders you to do even if it is not in his best interest.

However if his understanding and mental capacity is not in order, then it will be permissible to avoid the changing of the money for his best interest.

And Allah Ta‘ala knows best
Mufti Luqman Hansrot
Fatwa Dept.

www.efiqh.com


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