A father separated his two sons

Question

A severe dispute arose between two brothers. Their father tried hard to bring about unity, and when he did not succeed, he separated the two of them, giving them separate hearths (i.e. separate households), so that in future no greater rift would arise between their hearts. How is this decision of the father?

Answer

If, despite efforts and admonition, unity could not be achieved and he separated the two of them so that there would be no further strife (fitna) and civil war within the household, then he did well; but he should treat both of them equally.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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