Understanding Quranic Guidelines on Inheritance and the Rights of Close Relatives

The division of inheritance is a detailed and nuanced subject in Islam, and the Quran provides guidelines on how the wealth of a deceased person should be distributed among their heirs. Here is a simplified summary of the main shares prescribed in the Quran:

Husbands and Wives: If there are no children, the husband gets half of what his deceased wife leaves if she leaves no child; but if there is a child, he gets a quarter. If there are no children, the wife gets a quarter of what her deceased husband leaves if he leaves no child; but if there is a child, she receives an eighth.

Parents: If the deceased has a child, the mother gets a sixth; but if the deceased has no child and the parents are the sole heirs, the mother gets a third. The father’s share varies depending on other heirs. If there are siblings, he gets a sixth. If there are no children and no siblings, he gets the remaining share after the mother’s and wife’s shares are deducted.

Children: If the deceased has only daughters (and no sons), and there are more than one, they share in two-thirds. If there is only one daughter (and no sons), she gets half. If there are both sons and daughters: Sons get twice the share of daughters. Siblings: If the deceased leaves neither ascendants (like parents) nor descendants (like children) but has a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if they are more than that, they share in a third. Other Distant Relatives: In some cases, if there are no immediate heirs, more distant relatives like paternal half-brothers and half-sisters can inherit. Their shares can vary depending on other present heirs.

Wills and Debts: Before the division of the inheritance, any will the deceased has left should be carried out (provided it does not exceed a third of the estate) and any debts should be settled.

These are general guidelines, and the actual distribution can be more complex based on the specific situation, the number of heirs, and the presence or absence of certain relatives. Additionally, there are many nuances and particular scenarios covered by Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) beyond the Quranic verses.

If someone is dealing with an actual case of inheritance, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a qualified Islamic scholar or an expert in Islamic inheritance law to ensure the correct distribution.