Inheritance Ruling: Division Between Brother and Nephew
Reference: Fatāwā Rāshidiyyah, Page 614
❖ Question
What do the esteemed scholars say about this case:
Haji Abu Talib passed away, leaving as heirs:
◄ One brother (Jan Muhammad)
◄ Nephews
According to the Shariah of Muhammad ﷺ, how should the estate be divided among them?
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
The distribution of inheritance follows this order:
➊ Funeral and burial expenses are deducted.
➋ Any outstanding debts are paid.
➌ A valid will, if present, is fulfilled from up to one-third (⅓) of the estate.
➍ Thereafter, the remaining wealth — movable or immovable — is distributed among the heirs.
Distribution of Abu Talib’s Estate
Total Estate = 1 Rupee
◈ Brother (Jan Muhammad) → Full 1 Rupee
◈ Nephews → Deprived
Evidence from Hadith
((الحقوا الفرائض بأهلها فما بقى فلأولى رجل ذكر.))
— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Farāʾiḍ, 6735
— Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Kitāb al-Farāʾiḍ, 4141
Decimal / Percentage Distribution
Total Estate = 100%
◈ Real brother (ʿaṣabah) → 100%
◈ Nephews → Excluded
ھذا ما عندی واللہ أعلم بالصواب
