Al-Azhar Fatwa: The Paternal Uncle — A Father After the Father
Al-Azhar’s Global Fatwa Center explained that a paternal uncle in Islam is like a father — a guardian, protector, and source of compassion — whose duties and rights strengthen family bonds and preserve mercy within kinship.
The Al-Azhar Global Fatwa Center affirmed that in Islamic tradition, the bond of unclehood is one of guardianship and mercy. The paternal uncle serves as a fatherly figure to his brother’s children, both during his life and after his passing, ensuring care and protection, especially for the young.
Citing the Qur’an:
“We worship your God and the God of your fathers — Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac — one God, and to Him we submit.” [Al-Baqarah: 133]
Imam Al-Qurtubi noted that Arabs regarded the uncle as a father, as seen in this verse where Ishmael, the uncle of Jacob, is mentioned among “his fathers.”
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
“O ‘Umar, do you not know that a man’s uncle is the counterpart of his father?” [Muslim]
Meaning, he holds the same status of honor and respect.
Duties of the Uncle Toward His Brother’s Children:
Financial Support: The uncle is obligated to support his brother’s children who lack means, based on ability, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Begin with yourself; if anything remains, then your dependents; if anything remains, then your relatives...” [An-Nasa’i].
Comprehensive Care: This includes food, clothing, medicine, and education. Imam An-Nawawi stated:
“A relative must provide full sufficiency — including medical care and doctor’s fees.”
Moral Guardianship: The uncle acts as a guardian, guiding, protecting, and mentoring the children throughout their lives.
Caring for Nieces: A great reward awaits the uncle who raises and supports his brother’s daughters, reflecting both mercy and kinship. His share in inheritance signifies his standing as a fatherly guardian.
Children’s Duty Toward Their Uncle:
As the uncle is bound by duty to care, the children are bound by faith to honor, respect, and maintain ties with him — for mercy and family stability are mutual obligations in Islam.
Al-Azhar concluded that unclehood is a bond of guardianship and compassion, ensuring family unity and the endurance of mercy across generations.
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