Inheritance Division Among Sons, Daughters, and Wives
Source: Fatawa Rashidiyyah, p. 653
Question:
Ali Muhammad passed away leaving the following heirs:
- Five sons: Shadi Khan, Mahmood, Shahmeer, Sadiq, Faqir Muhammad
- Six daughters: Khairan, Makhan, Gullan, Maryam, Mili, Siyani
- Two wives: Nazo and Jadu
How will his estate be distributed according to Islamic law?
Preliminary Rules
Before distribution:
- Funeral and burial expenses are covered.
- Debts of the deceased are paid.
- Any valid will (within one-third of the estate) is executed.
- The remaining wealth is divided among heirs as inheritance.
Distribution of Inheritance
- Since the deceased left children, the wives jointly receive 1/8 of the estate.
- The remainder goes to the children, where each son receives the share of two daughters, as per Allah’s command:
﴿فَإِن كَانَ لَكُمْ وَلَدٌ فَلَهُنَّ الثُّمُنُ﴾ (an-Nisa)
﴿وَإِن كَانُوٓا۟ إِخْوَةً رِّجَالًا وَنِسَآءً فَلِلذَّكَرِ مِثْلُ حَظِّ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ﴾ (an-Nisa)
Decimal Distribution (Modern System)
Total Estate = 100
- 2 Wives (together 1/8): 12.5 → Each wife = 6.25
- 5 Sons (residuaries): 54.684 total → Each son = 10.937
- 6 Daughters (residuaries): 32.812 total → Each daughter = 5.468
✅ Final Shares:
| Heir | Share % | Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Wives | 12.5 | 6.25 each |
| 5 Sons | 54.684 | 10.937 each |
| 6 Daughters | 32.812 | 5.468 each |
Conclusion:
The wives together take 1/8, and the remainder is divided among the children, with each son receiving twice the share of each daughter.
والله أعلم بالصواب
