Introduction
The Quran is famous for its all-encompassing provisions for guidance in various aspects of life, including family law and inheritance. The system of inheritance as spelled out in the Holy Quran in Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4) has always been the center of attraction and critique for many years. Recently, a fallacy has emerged, claiming that the principle of Awl (also known as 'awl or al-awl) corrects mathematical flaws in the system. This work is an attempt to understand the Quranic inheritance system, which further clears the myth of there being mathematical inaccuracies and eventually explains the true reason and implementation of Awl.
Understanding the Quranic Inheritance System
The Quranic inheritance system is based on the hierarchical order of priority in which shares are determined for each heir. Spouses and Parents: Likely, the wife takes one-eighth, the mother takes one-sixth, and the father takes one-sixth if there are children from the deceased. Children: The share of a male is double that of a female. The whole shares must be distributed among all the children only after assigning the due shares to parents and spouses. Distant Relations: In case there is no direct dependent, the property goes to higher-level relatives, such as siblings and nieces, in that order, according to a set formula.
Addressing the Claim of Mathematical Errors
Critics often point to seemingly complex situations where the total inheritance shares might initially appear to exceed 100% of the estate, suggesting a mathematical flaw. A generally cited example includes a deceased person leaving behind a wife, two parents, and two daughters. Initially, it may appear that allocating the specified shares adds up to more than the entire estate.
Wife: 1/8
Each Parent: 1/6 (mixed 1/3)
Two Daughters: The residue after the above allocations, usually interpreted as 2/3 of the estate for both, given the absence of sons.
However, this perceived discrepancy resolves when considering the Quran's purpose and the legal framework of Islamic jurisprudence:
Shares are not always pieces of the whole estate. Some shares (like those of spouses and parents) are fractions of the total estate, while others (like children's shares) are fractions of what remains after the major beneficiaries have been allocated their shares.
Residue Distribution: The shares of children and sometimes other relatives are calculated from the residue, ensuring the total distribution equals 100% of the estate when correctly applied according to Islamic law principles.
The True Role of Awl
Awl, commonly misunderstood as a fix for mathematical errors, actually serves a distinct function. Awl refers to the reduction of shares in a specific scenario where the total of the fixed shares (of spouses and parents) exceeds the estate's value, a situation not of mathematical error but of insufficient estate value to meet all prescribed shares in full. In such rare cases, all fixed shares are proportionally adjusted (awl) to ensure equitable distribution within the confines of the available estate, keeping the integrity of the Quran's distribution principles.
Conclusion
The Quranic inheritance system, far from having mathematical errors, presents a sophisticated, just framework for the distribution of estates. The concept of Awl is not a corrective for flaws in the system but rather a mechanism to ensure fairness in the rare event of an insufficient estate. With a deep understanding of Islamic inheritance laws, the Quran's guidance on this intricate family and societal aspect becomes evident, reinforcing its timeless and divine nature.