Islamic inheritance jurisprudence, also known as Islamic inheritance law or Islamic law of succession, refers to the set of rules and regulations that govern the distribution of a deceased person's assets and property among their rightful beneficiaries according to Islamic principles. It is a fundamental aspect of Islamic law, derived from the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah (the practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad).
Islamic inheritance jurisprudence aims to ensure fairness, justice, and the fulfillment of the deceased's wishes, while also considering the rights and obligations of the inheritors. It provides a comprehensive framework that determines the share of each eligible individual, known as the heirs or beneficiaries, based on their relationship to the deceased and the type of property being inherited.
The core principles of Islamic inheritance jurisprudence include the prohibition of bequests to specific individuals (except for one-third of the total estate), the prescribed rights of spouses, children, parents, and other relatives as heirs, and the principle of male and female inheritance shares being unequal but fair, based on predefined rules.
Islamic inheritance jurisprudence covers various aspects, including the priority and order of inheritance, the calculation of shares, the treatment of debt and outstanding obligations, distribution of specific property types (movable and immovable), and the rules governing the distribution in cases where the deceased left no will or valid instructions.
Overall, Islamic inheritance jurisprudence serves as a vital mechanism for organizing the division of assets and promoting justice and social stability within the Muslim community, emphasizing the principles of fairness, duty, and the preservation of family ties.
