for if it is said of any person, for example, that he took his father before a judge over a pen worth fifty riyals, everyone would condemn him for it. Abdullah ibn Mas'ud—may Allah be pleased with him—said: “Whatever the Muslims deem good is good in the sight of Allah, and whatever they deem ugly is ugly in the sight of Allah.” (1)

His statement, “except for the obligatory maintenance due to him: he may demand it and have his father imprisoned for it,” means that if the father refuses to provide the maintenance obligatory upon him, the son may demand it from him. This is because it is necessary to preserve the son’s life; because its basis is known and evident, unlike a debt; and because the obligation of maintenance is established by the very law of the Shariah. It is therefore like zakah: a person may be compelled to give it to one entitled to receive it. Thus, if a poor son, unable to earn a living and possessing no wealth, comes to his father and says, “Support me,” and his father replies, “I will not support you,” then he may demand maintenance from his father. If he refuses, the judge may order his imprisonment until he provides the maintenance.

I believe that this action by the son—namely, demanding maintenance from his father—does not violate proper conduct, because it is the father who has breached proper conduct. Why did he not support him?! Thus, if the son demands maintenance from his father, he has the right to do so and to have him imprisoned for it.