Surah An-Nisa — Verse 176

Word Meanings:

• Yastaftūnaka: They ask you for a legal ruling.
• Al-Kalālah: A person who dies leaving neither a parent nor a child (i.e., no direct ascendant or descendant heirs).
• Halaka: Died.
• Walad: Offspring (specifically here, a son or child).
• Ukht: Sister (full sister or paternal sister in this context).
• Yarithuhā: He inherits from her.
• Thuluthān: Two-thirds.
• Īkhwah rijālan wa nisā’: Brothers and sisters (males and females) from the same father or both parents.

Tafsir (Explanation):

The companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked him about the ruling on inheritance for a person who dies leaving neither a parent nor a child — a case known as *al-kalālah*. Allah instructs His Messenger to answer them directly, for the ruling comes from Allah alone, the All-Knowing and All-Wise.

Allah clarifies: If a man dies leaving no child (son or daughter) and no parent, and he has a sister — whether full sister or paternal sister — then she is entitled to half of what he leaves behind as her fixed share. Conversely, if the sister dies leaving no child and no parent, her brother — whether full brother or paternal brother — inherits all of her wealth (or the remainder after any fixed shares are given). This reflects the beautiful balance of Islamic inheritance law, where rights are preserved for both men and women according to divine justice.

If the deceased leaves two or more sisters, they collectively receive two-thirds of the estate, divided equally among them. And if the heirs are a mixture of brothers and sisters — males and females — then the male receives the share of two females, as Allah states: *“For the male is like the share of two females.”* This is not a sign of preference but a reflection of the financial responsibilities Islam places upon men, who are obligated to provide for their families, while women’s wealth remains entirely their own.

Allah concludes this verse with a profound reassurance: *“Allah makes clear to you lest you go astray.”* This means that He has explained these rulings so that you may not fall into error in matters of inheritance — a matter of great importance in preserving justice and harmony among families. And Allah is All-Knowing of everything; nothing is hidden from Him, including what is best for His servants in this life and the next.

Da‘wah Reflection:

This verse is a living testament to the comprehensiveness and mercy of Islamic law. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has not left humanity to wander in confusion over such critical matters as inheritance. Instead, He has laid down clear, just, and detailed rulings that protect the rights of every individual — man or woman, young or old. How fortunate are we to have a Lord who cares for us so intimately that He addresses even the finest details of our lives! Let this verse inspire you to appreciate the perfection of Allah’s legislation and to trust that His commands are always for your benefit. When you follow His guidance, you are never lost; when you rely on His wisdom, you are never misguided. Indeed, Allah is with you, and He knows all things.