Why a man receives twice what a woman receives in inheritance
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
Allah (SWA) in the Holy Qur’an has said:
“Allah enjoins you concerning your children for the male there is a share equal to that of two females” (Surah Nisa v.176)
On the authority of Jabir Radiallahu Anhu the Messenger of Allah and Abu Bakr visited me during my sickness, then they were walking by Banu Salama. He found me unconscious, he called for water, performed wudhu and sprinkled water on me, so I came to my senses. I said what should I do with my wealth, O Messenger of Allah. Then the verse was revealed ‘Allah enjoins you concerning your children for male there is a share equal to that of two females’. (Aasbab Nuzulul Quran by Abul Hasan Ali Ibn Ahmad) (Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim also report this narration)
It is firmly established from the above narration that the male’s share is equal to that of two females.
The reason for men receiving double of what women receive I inheritance is justice, for the overwhelming majority of men take a wife and undertake to provide for her. As for women, they take a husband and load their livelihood on him, and this makes up for the deficiency in what they have inherited. It is also mercy, for a weak girl is greatly in need of kindness from her father and brothers. She also receives her brother’s kindness and protection free of rivalry and jealousy. He does not consider her “as a rival who will destroy half the family and give an important part of our property to someone else.” There will be no resentment and hostility mixed with his feeling of compassion and protection towards her. Thus, the girl, who is delicate and weak by nature, is apparently deprived of a small part, but in place of it she gains inexhaustible wealth in the form of the compassion and kindness of those close to her. Also, to give her more than her due with the idea of being more merciful to her than Divine Mercy, is not kindness, but a great wrong.
Only Allah Knows Best
Written by Tariq Uddin
Checked and Approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham.
