(During the early days of Islam), the inheritance used to be given to one's offspring and legacy used to be bequeathed to the parents, then Allah cancelled what He wished from that order and decreed that the male should be given the equivalent of the portion of two females, and for the parents one-sixth for each of them, and for one's wife one-eighth (if the deceased has children) and one-fourth (if he has no children), for one's husband one-half (if the deceased has no children) and one-fourth (if she has children).
Commentary on Inheritance Laws (Al-Faraa'id)
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6739 reveals the divine wisdom in establishing Islamic inheritance laws, demonstrating how Allah perfected the Shari'ah through progressive revelation.
Pre-Islamic Inheritance Customs
Before Islam, inheritance practices were based on tribal customs where only strong male relatives who could fight and defend the tribe inherited. Women, children, and weak relatives were often excluded entirely from inheritance rights.
The system mentioned where "inheritance used to be given to one's offspring and legacy used to be bequeathed to the parents" reflects an arbitrary distribution lacking divine guidance and justice.
Divine Abrogation and Establishment
Allah, in His infinite wisdom, abrogated these man-made customs and established a precise mathematical system that guarantees rights for all relatives according to their positions and responsibilities.
This demonstrates the principle of naskh (abrogation) in Islamic law, where earlier rulings are replaced by better ones as the Muslim community develops and matures.
Wisdom Behind the Two-to-One Ratio
The ruling that males receive twice the share of females is not discrimination but reflects the financial responsibilities Islam places upon men. Men are obligated to provide dowry, maintenance, housing, and all financial needs for their families, while women's wealth remains entirely their own.
This distribution actually results in women having greater financial security and disposable wealth than men when all Islamic financial obligations are considered.
Parents' Fixed Share
The guaranteed one-sixth share for each parent ensures their dignity and care in old age, regardless of their relationship with their children during life. This divine guarantee protects elderly parents from neglect and financial hardship.
Spousal Inheritance Wisdom
The variation in spousal shares (one-fourth versus one-eighth for wives, one-half versus one-fourth for husbands) reflects the different financial dynamics when children exist. When children survive, the spouse's share decreases to ensure adequate provision for the next generation.
This balanced approach considers both the immediate needs of the surviving spouse and the long-term welfare of the descendants.