Taṣḥīḥ in Inheritance: Definition, Rules, and the 7 Essential Principles

Correction in Inheritance: Literal Meaning, Definition, and Principles
Excerpt from the book “Islami Qanun-e-Warāthah” by Maulana Abu Nu’man Basheer Ahmad

❖ Question:​

What is meant by "Taṣḥīḥ" in inheritance, and what are its principles?

✦ Literal Meaning:​

The word Taṣḥīḥ (تصحیح) linguistically means: to correct or to make accurate.

✦ Definition:​

Taṣḥīḥ refers to the number by which each heir’s share can be distributed precisely, without any fraction or remainder.

✦ Principles of Taṣḥīḥ in Inheritance:​

To apply Taṣḥīḥ (correction) to inheritance problems, scholars refer to seven key principles, which are as follows:

➊ Direct Division without Remainder​

If each heir’s share can be divided among individuals without any remainder, then the correction is based on the original base number (Aṣl al-Mas’alah).
If the case involves ‘Awl (increase due to exceeding shares), then the correction will be based on the adjusted ‘Awl number.
Example:
If all heirs receive their shares cleanly, the original number is sufficient for calculation.

➋ Fraction in One Heir Group – Tawāfuq​

If only one group of heirs has a share that results in a fraction, and the ratio between shares and individuals is one of Tawāfuq (agreement), then:

• Multiply the wifq (accordance) of the number of individuals by the base number to get the corrected number.

Example:

• Daughters = 10 individuals, Share = 4
  → 10 and 4 are in Tawāfuq
• Wifq of 10 = 5
  → 6 (base) × 5 = 30 → This is the corrected base.

If the case includes ‘Awl, then multiply the wifq with the ‘Awl number.


Note:
The number used for multiplication is called "Juz’ al-Sahm" (جزء السهم). Each group’s share is then multiplied by this number to get their total. To find each individual’s share, divide the total group share by the number of individuals.

➌ Fraction in One Heir Group – Tabāyun​

If there is a fraction in one group, and the ratio between the number of individuals and shares is Tabāyun (complete difference), then:

• Multiply the total number of individuals by the base number to get the correction.
• Apply the same multiplication for all shares.

If the case is ‘Awli, then also multiply by the ‘Awl number.

➍ Fraction in Multiple Heir Groups​

If more than one group has shares that lead to fractions, then it is necessary to calculate the "Muṣbit Number" (عدد مثبت):

• If the ratio is Tawāfuq, then the wifq of number of individuals becomes the muṣbit number.
• If it is Tabāyun, then the total number of individuals is used as the muṣbit.

Then, use the ratios between all muṣbit numbers (تماثل، تداخل، توافق، تباین) to solve the problem. This results in four possible cases:

➤ Case 1: Tamāthul (Equality)​

When all muṣbit numbers are equal or have a common wifq:

• Multiply any muṣbit number with the original base.

If 'Awl' exists, also multiply with the adjusted number.

➤ Case 2: Tadākhul (Direct Divisibility)​

When the smaller number divides the larger:

• Use the larger number as Juz’ al-Sahm
• Multiply with the base (and ‘Awl, if present)

Example:
Ratio 4:2 → Larger number 4 is used.
→ Base 3 × 4 = 12 (corrected base)

➤ Case 3: Tawāfuq (Agreement with Common Divisor)​

• Multiply the wifq of one number by the total of the second number
• Then multiply the result by the wifq of the third number
• Final product = Juz’ al-Sahm
  → Multiply this with the base (and ‘Awl if present)

Example:

• Base: 12
• Individuals: 10 : 6 : 4 → Tawāfuq
• 4 × 3 = 12
• 12 × 5 = 60 (Juz’ al-Sahm)
• 60 × 12 (base) = 720 (corrected base)

Another Example:

• Base: 12, ‘Awl: 13
• Individuals: 9 : 6 : 4
  → 6 : 4 = Tawāfuq, 4 × 3 = 12
  → 9 : 12 = Tawāfuq, 12 × 3 = 36
  → 36 × 12 = 432, and
  → 36 × 13 = 468 (with ‘Awl)

➤ Case 4: Tabāyun (No Common Divisors)​

• Multiply one total with another, then multiply the result with the third (if still Tabāyun)
  → Final product = Juz’ al-Sahm
  → Multiply with the base (and ‘Awl if present)

Example:

• Individuals: 7 : 5 : 3 : 2 → Tabāyun
  → 7 × 5 × 3 × 2 = 210
  → Base = 24
  → 210 × 24 = 5040

Another Example:

• Base: 12, ‘Awl: 13
• Individuals: 5 : 3 : 4 → Tabāyun
  → 5 × 3 × 4 = 60
  → 60 × 12 = 720
  → 60 × 13 = 780 (with ‘Awl)