Women's Inheritance in Islam

Islam has honored women and uplifted their status, removing the injustices of pre-Islamic ignorance. It restored their full rights, including inheritance—once denied to them. Islam placed women at the heart of family and society, ensuring they live in peace, dignity, and security. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Treat women kindly," affirming their protection and rights.

1. Definition of Inheritance

Linguistically: Inheritance refers to property passed down from a deceased to their heirs.

Islamically: It includes all wealth and rights left behind for the legal heirs.

2. Pillars and Objectives of Inheritance

  • Deceased (Murith): The one whose estate is inherited.
  • Heir (Warith): The one who receives the inheritance.
  • Estate (Mawruth): The inherited property.

Objectives include fighting classism, wealth redistribution, and social solidarity.

3. Honoring Women in Islam

Islam honored women as mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters. The Quran includes a chapter titled "An-Nisa" (Women). Key verses include:

"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment..."

As wives, women are signs of God’s mercy: “He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them…”

4. Islam’s Care for Women

  • Equality in humanity: Islam affirms equality between men and women in creation and accountability.
  • Rights and duties: Women have the right to education, property, work, and expression—balanced with family roles.
  • Protection and dignity: Islam protects women from harm, ensures their financial support, and grants legal safeguards.
  • Equal reward: Men and women are equally rewarded for good deeds and held accountable alike.

5. Proof of Women's Right to Inheritance

From the Quran:

"For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share..."
"Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females..."

From the Sunnah:

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Give the shares to those who are entitled to them, and what remains goes to the closest male relative."

6. Ijtihad in Inheritance

Contemporary issues require scholarly interpretation when not explicitly addressed in scripture. Examples include:

  • Inheritance of a fetus.
  • Inheritance of the missing person.
  • Inheritance of intersex individuals.

Conclusion

Islam clarified inheritance rules in detail, ensuring women receive their rightful share, backed by Quranic and Prophetic texts. Where ambiguity exists, scholars apply reasoned judgment to uphold justice and relevance.


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