Question:
Define ‘Awl’ and state its ruling. Also clarify in how many cases Awl occurs?
Answer:
Literal meaning: To oppress, to cause hardship, and to raise.
Definition: The increase in the total shares of the heirs beyond the original estate is called “Awl,” and in this situation, each heir’s fixed share is reduced.
Ruling: Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was the first to decide on Awl. All the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), except Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), agreed on this, and the majority have followed this ruling.
Occurrence of Awl: The cases in which Awl occurs are the following seven original shares:
2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
Among these, Awl sometimes occurs only in three: 6, 12, 24
➊ Awl of 6 occurs in all odd and even numbers up to 10. For example:
Original estate 6 and Awl 7.
Original estate 6 and Awl 8.
The original problem is 6 and the ‘Awl’ is 9.
The original problem is 6 and the ‘Awl’ is 10.
➋ The ‘Awl’ of 12: comes in odd numbers up to 17. For example:
The original problem is 12 and the ‘Awl’ is 13.
The original problem is 12 and the ‘Awl’ is 15.
The original problem is 12 and the ‘Awl’ is 17.
➍ The ‘Awl’ of 24 comes only as 27.
The original problem is 24 and the ‘Awl’ is 27.
