Complete and Detailed Shar‘i Distribution of Inheritance
Source: Fatawa Rashidiyyah, p. 648
Question:
What do the scholars of Islam say regarding the following inheritance issue?
Case Summary:
- Ismail passed away, leaving behind one son (Abdul Karim) and his wife (Jamila).
- Then Abdul Karim died, leaving two daughters (Makhan and Salima), his wife (Rani), and his mother (Jamila).
- Then Jamila died, leaving four nephews: Salih, Taj Muhammad, Tahir, and Qadir.
- Later, Makhan died, leaving two sons (Abdul Karim and Hussain), her mother (Rani), and her husband (Bachu).
- Then Hussain died, leaving his father (Bachu) and his brother (Abdul Karim).
How will the inheritance be distributed according to Shari‘ah?
Distribution
1. Estate of Ismail
Total = 100
- Wife Jamila = 1/8 = 12.5
- Son Abdul Karim (residuary) = 87.5
2. Estate of Abdul Karim
Total = 87.5
- Two daughters (Makhan, Salima) = 2/3 = 61.26 (each = 30.63)
- Mother Jamila = 1/6 = 15.31
- Wife Rani = 1/8 = 10.93
3. Estate of Jamila
Total = 27.81
- Four nephews (residuary) = 9.27 (each = 2.317)
- Two granddaughters (Makhan, Salima) = 2/3 = 18.54 (each = 9.27)
4. Estate of Makhan
Total = 39.9
- Son Abdul Karim (residuary) = 11.64
- Son Hussain (residuary) = 11.64
- Mother Rani = 1/6 = 6.65
- Husband Bachu = 1/4 = 9.975
5. Estate of Hussain
Total = 11.64
- Father Bachu (residuary) = 11.64
- Brother Abdul Karim excluded.
Final Shares of Living Heirs
| Heir | Share |
|---|---|
| Rani | 17.58 |
| Bachu | 21.61 |
| Abdul Karim (grandson) | 11.69 |
| Salima | 39.9 |
| 4 Nephews | 9.27 |
| Total | 100 |
Conclusion:
This is the correct shar‘i division of inheritance according to Qur’an, Sunnah, and the consensus of the Ummah. والله أعلم بالصواب
