Inheritance

Inheritance: The Laws of Inheritance in Islam

As you read the book and understand the distribution of inheritance in Islam you will be impressed with the fairness and in-depth nature of the laws. It is a gift of wisdom for the mankind from non-other than our great creator, Allah. He prepares the world before we are born, then provides for us as we live, and then picks up after we have played. He gives more than we can use, yet furthermore, He tells us how to distribute and turn over His bounty to our successors.

The laws are given to judge ourselves and others in this world but if we don't then the same laws will be used to judge us before Him in the hereafter. His laws are very clear and easy to understand. However, like any other truth, at times they are very cut and dry. It is hard to accept them. In our competitive spirit, we may feel we can do better than this. When we try to make our own laws we end up with nothing but error. Arguments and debates only delay the deliverance of justice. The logic of trial and error always ends in error!

The laws of inheritance in Islam are described with respect to women and children. Distribution to near and extended relatives is illustrated. A system of relative distance and eligibility is established. Near relatives are given priority. Men and women both have specified shares.

In the book, we have collected the related information for determining rightful inheritance in a family. We focused on the actual code rather than other arguments. Basic references are given to establish the authority of the code. We refrained from comparative analysis with other national or religious codes but to state what it is we had to say what it is not. We showed some common practices acceptable in modern cultures but they have no Islamic standing.

May Allah(SWT) guide you with the best of knowledge. Ameen!

Sohail S. Hussaini