The great-grandfather of ‘Amr ibn Shu‘ayb stated that a man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: “O Messenger of Allaah, I have property and children, and my father needs [some of] my property.” He replied, “You and your property belong to your father. Indeed, your children are among the most pleasant of your earnings; so you may take from the earnings of your children.” Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood, vol. 2, p. 674, no. 3015. ‘Amr’s great-grandfather was ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas, the great companion of the Prophet (PBUH). In some versions of this tradition, the narrator said, “My father is consuming my property.” Both versions indicate that sons have a responsibility to support their parents if they are in need. The hadeeth cannot be taken in its most literal sense, however. Otherwise, it would allow parents to sell their children, which is prohibited by consensus.