The system of inheritance in Islam (Mawarith) is a cornerstone of its legislative framework, designed to protect financial rights and regulate the transfer of wealth between generations. Due to its importance, Allah Himself detailed most of its rulings in the Holy Quran to ensure justice and prevent disputes.
In this article, we explore the respected status of money in Islam, delve into the fair and balanced rules of inheritance, and uncover the divine wisdom behind this unique financial system.
The Status of Money Within Islamic Finance Principles
Wealth is undeniably a vital part of life. It facilitates trade, helps fulfill needs, and is considered an adornment of this world, as the Quran states: “Wealth and children are the adornment of the worldly life” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:46).
Islamic law addresses financial matters through various channels:
- In Worship: Through the obligation of Zakat, a specific portion of a wealthy person’s assets is given to the poor and used for public welfare. Zakat purifies society from the scourge of poverty, strengthens bonds of love between the rich and poor, and fosters a spirit of compassion and cooperation.
- In Personal Affairs: Through the system of inheritance, Islamic principles work to distribute wealth, preventing it from being hoarded. This system strengthens ties between relatives and connects generations, ensuring that children are not deprived of the fruits of their parents’ labor.
Core Rules for Inheritance in Islam
Islamic law bases inheritance on just and wise principles, with shares meticulously outlined by Allah in the Quran. Key rules include:
- Basis of Entitlement: Inheritance is based on kinship (parents, children, siblings) and marriage.
- No Discrimination: The fundamental right to inherit is granted to all, regardless of gender or age. A young child has the same right to their share as an adult, and a female has the same right as a male.
- Parents and Children Always Inherit: A deceased person’s parents and children can never be fully excluded from inheritance, though their specific share may be affected by other heirs.
- The Male-to-Female Share: When male and female heirs of the same degree inherit together (e.g., sons and daughters), the male receives twice the share of the female, for a wisdom that will be explained shortly.
The Estate, Debts, and Wills (Wasiyyah)
In Islam, the estate to be divided among heirs is the net property of the deceased after settling all debts and executing their will (Wasiyyah). Islam sets clear limits on the will:
- The One-Third Limit: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ capped the will at a maximum of one-third of the total estate. This ensures that the rightful heirs receive the majority of the inheritance.
- No Harm to Heirs: A will must not be used to harm the legal heirs. The Quran explicitly warns against this, stating that the division of assets comes “…after any bequest which was made or debt, without causing loss…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:12). Intentionally harming heirs through a will is considered a major sin.
The Wisdom Behind the Islamic System of Inheritance
The Islamic system of inheritance strikes a balance, avoiding the financial tyranny of unchecked capitalism and the chaos of absolute redistribution. This wisdom is evident in its impact on individuals, families, and society.
- Justice for Men and Women: Islam places the financial responsibility for the family—including the wife, children, and marriage costs—entirely on the man. Giving him a larger share of inheritance is an act of justice, as it equips him to fulfill these heavy financial obligations. The woman’s half-share is entirely hers, with no financial duties attached, serving as her personal security.
- Strengthening the Family: Distributing the estate among relatives and spouses strengthens sincerity and bonds the family together. If only one person or group inherited, it would likely lead to resentment and family breakdown.
- Benefits to Society: The system prevents two great social dangers:
- Disenfranchising Relatives: It ensures that wealth remains within the family unit, rewarding the natural bonds of blood and cooperation.
- Wealth Hoarding: By distributing wealth among multiple heirs, the system prevents its concentration in a single hand, reducing the risk of financial oppression and class conflict.
How Islam Regulates Money: Lawful and Unlawful Earnings
Islam provides a complete framework for financial life, encouraging lawful earnings and forbidding exploitation.
Lawful Ways to Earn (Seeking Allah’s Bounty):
- Trade: Commerce and business are highly encouraged as a means of earning a livelihood.
- Agriculture: Cultivating the land to produce food and resources is seen as a great blessing and a way to sustain life.
- Industry: Manufacturing and craftsmanship are the bedrock of civilization, and the Quran points to essential industries like ironwork, clothing, and construction.
Islam commands believers to seek their livelihood. After the obligatory Friday prayer, Allah says: “And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:10).
Moderation in Spending:
The Quran commands moderation, forbidding both extravagance and stinginess: “And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate” (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:67).
Forbidden Ways to Earn:
Just as it encourages lawful work, the Quran strictly prohibits earning wealth through harmful and corrupt means, including:
- Riba (Interest/Usury): Exploiting the needs of the poor.
- Theft and Plunder: Which destabilize society.
- Trading in Prohibited Items: Such as alcohol and pork, which harm the mind and body.
- Gambling and Immoral Services: Which corrupt morals and humanity.
- Bribery: Which undermines justice and rights.
The Quran gives a clear warning: “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly...” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:188). The sanctity of wealth and property is a principle that Allah has enshrined in His guidance for all of humanity.
