The first responsibility is the provision of all possible means for the education and upbringing of the children.

Islam has vested upon the father the responsibility, of health, security, and the nourishment of the children. All the responsibility of food, medicine, clothing and place of living, moreover the protection of the honour and prestige of the child, lies with the father. According to the law of Shari'ah it is obligatory upon father to bear the expenses of the children, and in the same manner the "expenses for maintenance" or the expenses for the necessity of life are obligatory, and in the same context the management for a bright future is extremely essential. The significance of this issue can be realized from this event in the days of the Holy Prophet (SAWAW), and from His following saying:-

The author of Qurb ul-Asna'd writes:-
"Amougst the tribes of Ansa'r, a member of some
family had a small amount of money, and a number of young kids. When the time of his death approached, for the attainment of reward and requital, and in the desire of achieving a high place in the Hereafter, he spent all of his assets in the path of Allah. When he left this world his innocent orphans became dependent upon others!

When the Holy Prophet came to know of his death and the situation, be inquired from his tribe men, "What did you do?" The people answered, "Oh Prophet! We buried him". Oh hearing this the Holy Prophet said:-

"Had I known before, I would not have allowed him to be buried in the graveyard of Muslims. That man spent all his savings, leaving his children, to beg!"42

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42. Qurb ul-Asna'd, Page: 31.