QUESTION:
Toys were donated to give to the poor or anyone in need. There was a toy that a child (from an average home) wanted from the donated toys. He has a car (more valuable) that can be given away. Can he take the donated car and exchange it with his toy to be donated instead?
ANSWER:
The consent of a minor is not considered in Shariah, hence his gifting (or exchanging) will not be valid. Yes, if he is of an understanding age, then his transaction will be permitted with the consent of his guardian but if he is not of understanding age, then his transaction will not be valid, even though his guardian may consent to it. Thus, we are left with two scenarios; either permission is sort from the owner for the toy to be given to the minor, or if the child needs the toy, then it can be given to him as you have stated in your query that it can be given to ‘anyone who needs.’
(الأسباب الموجبة للحجر ثلاثة: الصغر) لأنه إن كان غير مميز كان عديم العقل، وإن كان مميزاً فعقله ناقص (والرق) لأنه وإن كان فيه أهلية لكنه يحجر عليه رعاية لحق المولى، كيلا تبطل منافع عبده بإيجاره نفسه (والجنون) ، لأنه إن كان عديم الإفاقة كان عديم العقل كالصبي الغير المميز، وإن وجدت في بعض الأوقات كان ناقص العقل.
(ولا يجوز تصرف الصغير) الغير المميز مطلقا، ولا المميز (إلا بإذن وليه) فإن أذن له وليه جاز تصرفه، لأن إذن الولي آية أهليته، ولولا أهليته لم يأذن له (اللباب ص66 ج2)
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: 22 Muharram 1446 / 30 July 2024
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
