The custom (in old days) was that the property of the deceased would be inherited by his offspring; as for the parents (of the deceased), they would inherit by the will of the deceased. Then Allah cancelled from that custom whatever He wished and fixed for the male double the amount inherited by the female, and for each parent a sixth (of the whole legacy) and for the wife an eighth or a fourth and for the husband a half or a fourth.
Exposition of the Pre-Islamic Inheritance Custom
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 2747, under the book "Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa)," describes the inheritance system prevalent during the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah). In that era, inheritance was restricted primarily to male offspring who could bear arms and fight. Women, children, and often parents were excluded, as they were not considered strong contributors to the family's wealth or defense.
Divine Abrogation and Establishment of Fixed Shares
The phrase "Then Allah cancelled from that custom whatever He wished" signifies the divine abrogation (naskh) of this unjust system. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, replaced it with the precise laws revealed in the Noble Qur'an, specifically in Surah An-Nisa'. This established fixed shares (Fara'id) for all deserving relatives, ensuring justice and compassion.
The Wisdom Behind the Male Receiving a Double Portion
The ruling that a male receives a share equal to that of two females is based on the financial responsibilities placed upon him in Islamic law. A man is solely responsible for providing dowry, sustenance, housing, and all financial needs for his wife, children, and certain other relatives. The woman, however, has no such financial obligation; her share is for her absolute personal ownership and security.
Explanation of the Specified Shares
The parents each receive a fixed sixth of the estate, a share that honors them and acknowledges their status, as commanded by Allah. The wife receives one-eighth if there is a child, or one-fourth if there is no child, from her deceased husband's estate. Conversely, the husband receives one-half of his deceased wife's estate if there is no child, or one-fourth if there is a child. These specific shares are meticulously detailed in the Qur'an to prevent disputes and ensure a fair distribution according to divine decree.