Islamic Inheritance Shares for Wife, Mother and Maternal Brother
In this case study, three key sharers, namely a wife, a mother, and a maternal brother, are involved. All of these are entitled to prescribed or fixed shares. We explore the various categories of sharers and examine the application of Islamic Inheritance and Quranic laws in the estate distribution process between them.
Prescribed sharers (Al Faraid)
Understanding Prescribed Sharers in Islamic Inheritance
Prescribed sharers in Islamic inheritance are individuals who are designated by Islamic law to receive fixed shares of the deceased’s estate. These shares are determined based on specific relationships and are aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of assets among heirs. Explore the rules and principles governing prescribed sharers in Islamic inheritance.
The Role of Prescribed Sharers in Islamic Inheritance
Prescribed sharers play a crucial role in the inheritance distribution system outlined in the Quran. Learn about the hierarchy of prescribed sharers, including spouses, children, parents, siblings, and more. Discover how these individuals are entitled to inherit specific portions of the estate and the significance of this system in Islamic law.
Wife’s Share in Islamic Inheritance Law
The wife holds a distinct position as a prescribed sharer in Islamic inheritance. According to the Quranic verse [Surah AnNisa 4:12], the share designated for the wife depends on whether the deceased has offspring. Explore the wisdom behind these provisions, which aim to protect the financial interests of the surviving wife. Here are the key scenarios:
Wife’s Share when the Deceased Husband has Offspring
If the deceased husband leaves behind offspring ( children or descendants ), the wife is entitled to one-eighth (1/8) of the estate. This share is set, regardless of the size of the estate. The principle behind this distribution is to ensure the wife’s financial security while also providing for the children.
Wife’s Share when the Deceased Husband has No Offspring
In cases where the deceased husband leaves behind offspring ( children or descendants ), the wife’s share increases to one-fourth (1/4) of the estate. This higher share recognizes her position as the primary heir in the absence of children.
Concluded Share of the Wife:
In this scenario, the deceased husband has no offspring (children or descendants), so, the wife would receive one-fourth (1/4) of the total estate.
Wife’s Share = 25% of the estate
Mother’s Share in Islamic Inheritance Law
In Islamic inheritance law, the share of a mother is outlined in the Quranic verse [Surah AnNisa 4:11]. According to this verse, the mother receives a specific portion of the deceased’s estate, provided that the deceased has offspring or not. The allocation of a mother’s share depends on various factors, including the presence of other heirs, such as children and siblings. Here are the key rules regarding a mother’s share in Islamic inheritance:
Mother’s share when deceased does not have offspring and multiple siblings:
- The deceased does not have any offspring, AND
- The deceased does not have multiple siblings (full, paternal, maternal)
In cases where the deceased has no children or descendants and does not have multiple siblings, the mother’s share is one-third (1/3) of the total estate, equivalent to 33.33% of the assets. This allocation prioritizes the financial well-being of the mother in the absence of offspring or multiple siblings.
Mother’s share when deceased has offspring or multiple siblings:
- The deceased has offspring, OR
- The deceased has multiple siblings (full, paternal, maternal)
When the deceased has offspring or multiple siblings, the mother’s share is adjusted to one-sixth (1/6), approximately 16.67% of the estate. This adjustment accommodates the presence of other heirs, ensuring fairness and equity in asset distribution.
These rules ensure that the mother’s share is determined based on specific family circumstances, by Islamic inheritance laws and the guidance provided in the Quranic verse [Surah AnNisa 4:11].
Concluded Share of the Mother:
In this scenario, the deceased has not left any offspring (children or descendants) or multiple siblings, so, the mother would receive one-third (1/3) of the total estate.
Mother’s Share = 33.33% of the estate
Maternal Sibling’s Share in Islamic Inheritance Law
In Islamic inheritance law, the share of a maternal sibling is determined by several factors, including the number of maternal siblings, the presence or absence of male offspring, and male paternal ancestors of the deceased. The rules for the maternal sibling’s share are as follows, with specific references to the Quranic verse An-Nisa (4:12)
Maternal Sibling receives one-sixth (1/6) if all the following conditions are met
- If the deceased has only one maternal sibling, AND
- If the deceased does not have any male offspring (sons or male descendants), AND
- If the deceased does not have any male paternal ancestors (such as the father or grandfather)
If the deceased has a single maternal sibling and meets the specified conditions (no male offspring, no male paternal ancestors), that maternal sibling is entitled to receive one-sixth (1/6) of the estate. This allocation recognizes the rights of the single maternal sibling in the absence of other qualifying heirs.
Maternal Siblings receive one-third (1/3) if all the following conditions are met
- If the deceased has multiple maternal siblings, AND
- If the deceased does not have any male offspring (sons or male descendants), AND
- If the deceased does not have any male paternal ancestors (such as the father or grandfather)
If the deceased has multiple maternal siblings and fulfills the specified conditions (no male offspring, no male paternal ancestors), these maternal siblings are entitled to a one-third (1/3) share of the estate, and this share will be equally divided among them. This distribution ensures that the collective rights of the maternal siblings are upheld when there are no male offspring or male paternal ancestors.
These rules ensure that the maternal sibling’s share is determined based on the number of maternal siblings and the presence or absence of male offspring and male paternal ancestors of the deceased, in accordance with Islamic inheritance laws and the Quranic verse An-Nisa (4:12).
Concluded Share of Maternal Brother:
In this scenario, the deceased has only one maternal brother, so, he is entitled to receive one-sixth (1/6) of the total estate.
Maternal Brother’s Share = 16.67% of the estate
Calculation steps performed in this case study:
- Wife gets the prescribed share of 1/4 (Rule 2a).
- Mother gets the prescribed share of 1/3 (Rule 6a).
- Maternal brother gets the prescribed share of 1/6 (Rule 12a).
- Distribute the remaining shares according to relative priority (Rule 14)
- Some shares are remaining to be distributed. Shares should now be increased proportionally among all heirs except the spouse (Rule 19).
Recalculation of shares:
In this case, after distributing the prescribed shares to the wife, mother, and maternal brother, there is a remaining share of one-fourth (1/4). As the expression of 1/4+1/3+1/6 results in 3/4. There is no remaining heir to receive the remaining share of 1/4. So, we adjusted the shares of existing heirs except the spouse and increased them proportionally.
You can observe the proportional increase in the shares, as follows:
Mothers’ share = 1/3 => 1/2
Maternal Brothers’ shares = 1/6 => 1/4
Shares by Category:
| Relative Category | Share Fraction | Share Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Wife | 1/4 | 25% |
| Mother | 1/3 => 1/2 | 50% |
| Maternal Brother | 1/6 => 1/4 | 25% |
| Total | 4/4 | 100% |
Shares by Individual:
| Relative | Share Fraction | Share Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Wife | 1/4 | 25% |
| Mother | 2/4 = 1/2 | 50% |
| Maternal Brother | 1/4 | 25% |
| Total | 4/4 | 100% |
