their Fitr charity is obligatory upon their master. However, if he has only one saʿ, then in that case he pays the saʿ on his own behalf rather than on behalf of his slaves.

His statement, “Then his mother”: according to the author’s view, the fourth saʿ is for his mother, who takes precedence over his father, because when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked, “Who is most entitled to my good companionship?” he replied, “Your mother,” and on the fourth occasion he said, “Your father.” (1) Accordingly, the mother takes precedence because she must be given precedence in dutifulness.

His statement, “Then his father”: the fifth saʿ is for his father, who takes precedence over the children. Hence he says:

“Then his children, then the nearest heir …”

“Then his children” includes both males and females. Thus, if he has four children but possesses only six saʿs, he pays them as follows: one saʿ for himself, the second for his wife, the third for his slaves, the fourth for his mother, and the fifth for his father. One saʿ remains, so on behalf of which of his children should he pay it?

The answer is that lots are drawn among them, and he pays it on behalf of whichever one is selected by lot, because they are equal, since they have no wealth of their own.

According to the stronger view, however, nothing is required of him. If he pays on their behalf, he is rewarded; if he does not pay on their behalf, there is nothing due from him—except in the case of the slave, whose Fitr charity is obligatory upon his master.

Principle: when rights are equal, we draw lots. Drawing lots is a legislated means of deciding between equal claims. It is mentioned in the Quran in two places: Allah Most High says, “Then he cast lots and was among those who lost,” [al-Saffat], and He says, “And you were not”