Verses Regarding Inheritance Distribution
This article outlines the verses related to the distribution of inheritance:
- (For men is a share of what their parents and relatives leave; and for women is a share of what their parents and relatives leave, be it little or much; a fixed share.)
This verse was revealed following the death of a noble companion who had a wife and two daughters. Some male relatives seized all his wealth, leaving his daughters and wife without any inheritance, reflecting the pre-Islamic practice of not bequeathing to women. The daughters raised their grievance to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), leading to the revelation of this verse, which clearly establishes the rightful shares for all individuals.
- (And when the distribution occurs, give the relatives, orphans, and the needy their due share and speak to them in a kind word.)
This noble verse emphasizes the importance of providing something from the estate to relatives and the needy, even if they have no specific share, which serves to comfort them and foster goodwill, along with addressing them kindly.
- (Indeed, those who have believed and emigrated and fought with their properties and lives in the cause of Allah, and those who have provided refuge and supported – they are allies of one another. And those who believed but did not emigrate, you have no obligation to them until they emigrate. But if they seek your help in the religion, then you must aid them, except against a people with whom you have a treaty. And Allah is All-Seer of what you do. And those who disbelieve are allies of one another; if you do not do so, there will be fitnah in the land and great corruption. And those who have believed and emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah and those who provided refuge and supported – they are the true believers; for them is forgiveness and noble provision. And those who believed afterward and emigrated and fought with you, they are of you. And those who are blood relatives are more deserving of one another in the Book of Allah; indeed, Allah is Knowing of all things.)
These verses clarify that during the early days of migration, inheritance was designated among the emigrants and not among relatives. A Muslim emigrant would inherit from another like himself, with no entitlement for those relatives who did not migrate, and vice versa for emigrants. This arrangement lasted until the migration ceased with the opening of Mecca, at which point relatives began to inherit based on kinship rather than the bond of migration.
- (The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers; and blood relatives among each other have more rights in the Book of Allah than the believers and the emigrants, except that you may do good to your allies. This was written in the Book.)
This verse confirms inheritance through kinship and abrogates the previous practice of inheritance through alliances and brotherhood that existed during pre-Islamic times and before the opening of Mecca.
Verses on Inheritance of Children and Parents
Here are the relevant verses discussing the inheritance of children and parents:
- (Allah commands you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females; but if there are more than two females, for them is two-thirds of what he leaves; and if there is one, for her is half. And for his parents, each of them has a sixth of what he leaves if he has children; but if he has no children and his parents are his heirs, for his mother is a third; and if he has siblings, for his mother is a sixth after any bequest he makes or debt. Your parents and your children, you do not know which of them is nearest to you in benefit. This is an obligation from Allah; indeed, Allah is Knowing and Wise.)
This verse delineates how to distribute inheritance in various scenarios, including the presence of sons and daughters, solely daughters, and the respective shares for each of the parents. It also underscores the importance of equitable distribution based on rights.
- (And to every one We have made heirs of what left by parents and relatives. And those with whom your right hands have made a covenant, give them their due share. Indeed, Allah is Witness over all things.)
This verse affirms that every Muslim who passes away with assets has rightful heirs who will inherit from them. It calls for providing those with whom covenants have been made their respective shares of inheritance. Interpretations regarding those referred to by “your right hands” vary, with some suggesting they are allies established through familial pacts, while others indicate they are those who are dependent upon the individual, or those linked through brotherhood between the migrants and the supporters. This verse has been abrogated by the verse previously mentioned from Surah Al-Anfal.
- (And if a man or a woman is among the heirs, having no direct descendants, but has a brother or sister, then for each of them is a sixth. But if there are more than that, then they share in a third, after any bequest that is made or debt that is not harmful. This is a command from Allah; and Allah is Knowing and Forbearing.)
- (They ask you for a ruling. Say, Allah instructs you concerning the person who has no descendants. If a man dies and has a sister, she has half of what he leaves, and he inherits from her if she has no descendant. If there are two sisters, they have two-thirds of what he leaves; and if there are brothers and sisters, for the male is the share of two females. Allah makes clear [the rulings] to you so that you do not go astray. And Allah is Knowing of all things.)
“Kalalah” refers to a person who dies without direct descendants or parents to inherit from him. In clarification, it pertains to individuals without children who designate their siblings as heirs. These verses provide guidance on how to divide inheritance in this situation.
Verses on Inheritance of Spouses
Allah Almighty states: (For you is half of what your wives leave if they have no child; but if they have a child, for you is a fourth of what they leave after any bequest that is made or debt. And for them is a fourth of what you leave if you do not have a child; and if you have a child, for them is an eighth of what you leave after any bequest that is made or debt.)
This verse clarifies the inheritance rights of both spouses in the presence and absence of children.
Verses Cautioning Against Consuming Orphans’ Wealth
Allah Almighty warns: (And let those beware who, if they left behind them disobedient offspring, would be apprehensive for them. So let them fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. Indeed, those who consume the wealth of the orphans unlawfully are filling their bellies with fire; and they will be burned in a Blaze.)