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Islamic Inheritance: Heir Definitions & Eligibility
Based on Qur’an (4:11–12) and Classical Sunni Fiqh (Hanafi focus)
🔹 Part 1: Definitions of Heirs
| Heir Label | Definition |
|---|
| Wife / Wives | Surviving spouse(s) of a deceased man (max 4). |
| Husband | Surviving spouse of a deceased woman. |
| Sons | Direct male children — always inherit as residuaries. |
| Daughters | Direct female children — never excluded; get ½ of son’s share if sons exist. |
| Grandsons (son’s sons) | Sons of the deceased’s sons — inherit only if no sons (Hanafi). |
| Granddaughters (son’s daughters) | Daughters of the deceased’s sons — inherit only if no children (Hanafi). |
| Father | Gets 1/6 if children exist; otherwise 1/6 + residue. |
| Mother | Gets 1/6 if children or multiple siblings exist; otherwise 1/3. |
| Paternal Grandfather | Father’s father — inherits in place of father if father is deceased. |
| Maternal Grandmother | Mother’s mother — shares 1/6 with paternal grandmother. |
| Paternal Grandmother | Father’s mother — shares 1/6 with maternal grandmother. |
| Full Brothers | Share both parents — residuaries if no descendants/father. |
| Full Sisters | Share both parents — get ½ (if alone) or ⅔ (if ≥2) if no blocking heirs. |
| Consanguine (Paternal) Brothers | Share only father — inherit after full brothers. |
| Consanguine (Paternal) Sisters | Share only father — fixed shares if no male siblings. |
| Uterine Brothers/Sisters | Share only mother — get 1/6 (or 1/3 if ≥2) if no descendants/father. |
🔹 Part 2: Who Inherits?
When Deceased is MALE:
- ✅ Always eligible: Wife, sons, daughters, father, mother
- ✅ Conditionally eligible: Grandchildren (if no children), grandparents (if parents deceased), siblings (if no descendants/father)
- ❗ Blocking Rules: Sons block grandchildren/siblings; father blocks siblings/grandfather.
When Deceased is FEMALE:
- ✅ Same heirs as above, except "Wife" → "Husband"
- 💡 Husband gets ½ (no children) or ¼ (with children)
🔹 Part 3: Key Principles
- 🕌 Daughters are NEVER excluded — always receive a defined share.
- ⚖️ ‘Awl (عول): If total shares > 1, all shares are reduced proportionally.
- 🔄 Radd (رد): If total < 1 and no residuaries, surplus goes to fixed-share heirs (except spouses in Hanafi).
- 🧮 Residuaries: Sons, fathers, brothers — receive what remains after fixed shares.
Disclaimer: This is a simplified guide. For actual estate distribution, consult a qualified Islamic scholar.
