with the intention of acquiring ownership; in that case, he may dispose of it, because once he takes possession of it with the intention of acquiring ownership, it becomes his property.

His statement, “and valid possession,” means that it must be taken with the son’s permission and in the manner previously described in the Book of Sales: that which is movable is taken into possession by being moved; that which is weighed, by being weighed; that which is measured by volume, by being measured; that which is measured by length, by being measured; that which is counted, by being counted; and whatever cannot be dealt with in these ways is taken into possession by relinquishment, such as land. Land, for example, cannot be taken into possession in any of the aforementioned ways; rather, this is done by relinquishment, meaning that he withdraws his control over it.

His statement, “rather, after it”: that is, his disposal by sale, manumission, or release from a debt is valid after revoking the gift, or after acquiring ownership in cases other than gifts.

“The son may not demand from his father a debt or the like, except for the maintenance that the father is obliged to provide him; for he may demand it from him and have him detained for it.”

His statement, “The son may not demand from his father a debt or the like,” means that the son has no right to demand from his father a debt or the like, due to the Prophet’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him: “Indeed, the best of what you consume is from your earnings, and your children are among your earnings” (1). Moreover, if the father is permitted to acquire ownership from his son’s wealth, then the son is not permitted to demand his debt from him.

For example, if a father borrows ten thousand riyals from his son, the son may not say, “My father, give me the debt,” nor may he demand it from him. He may, however, speak indirectly and say, “My father, I am in need, and Allah has made you prosperous.”