Surah An-Nisa — Verse 7

Word Meanings:

• Naseeb (نَصِيبٌ): A designated share or portion.
• Taraka (تَرَكَ): Left behind (i.e., inheritance after death).
• Al-Walidan (الْوَالِدَانِ): The two parents (father and mother).
• Al-Aqrabun (الْأَقْرَبُونَ): Close relatives (such as siblings, uncles, etc.).
• Mafrudan (مَفْرُوضًا): Ordained and firmly decreed by Allah, obligatory to fulfill.

Explanation of the Verse:

This noble verse establishes a fundamental principle of justice in inheritance that was revolutionary for its time. In the pre-Islamic era of ignorance (Jahiliyyah), women and young children were completely deprived of inheritance—they were considered property themselves rather than heirs. If a man died, his wealth would only go to adult males who could fight and protect the tribe, while daughters, wives, and young sons were left with nothing.

Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, abolished this unjust practice with this verse. He declares that both men and women—whether young or old—have a guaranteed, fixed share of what their parents and close relatives leave behind. This share is due whether the estate is small or large; no amount is too insignificant to be distributed fairly, and none is too great to be withheld from its rightful recipients.

This divine legislation ensures that every individual—regardless of gender or age—receives their due rights from the deceased's wealth. The share is not left to human discretion, custom, or favoritism; rather, it is obligatory and precisely defined by Allah Himself, who knows what is best for His creation.

A Da'wah Reflection:

How beautiful is Islam's care for every member of society! This verse reminds us that Allah's justice transcends human biases and cultural norms. While societies throughout history have marginalized women and children, the Creator of all—who knows the needs of every soul—decreed their rights fourteen centuries ago. This is a testament to the divine origin of the Quran: no human system at that time would have granted such rights to the vulnerable.

When we reflect on this, our hearts fill with gratitude for a religion that elevates the status of women, protects the rights of orphans and children, and establishes a system of social justice that remains unmatched. The inheritance laws of Islam are not merely legal rulings—they are a manifestation of Allah's mercy and His perfect knowledge of human nature. By implementing these divine guidelines, families are preserved, hearts are mended, and society is built on a foundation of fairness and compassion.

Let us embrace these teachings with love and trust, knowing that the One who legislated them is the Most Wise, the Most Just, and the Most Merciful.