TWO-THIRD FOR LEGAL HEIRS

The estate of a deceased person can be distributed after certain obligations, such as funeral expenses and debts incurred by the deceased, have been met.  A person who professes a religion other than Islam cannot inherit anything from a Muslim, and vice versa (3928).  Another principle of inheritance is that �the male is equal of the portion of two females� (3933).

Muhammad says that one can will only one-third of one�s property; the remaining two-thirds must go to the legal heirs.  Muhammad visited Sa�d b. AbI WaqqAs, on his deathbed.  Sa�d had only one daughter.  He wanted to know whether he could will two-thirds or half of his property in sadaqa (charity).  The Prophet replied: �Give one third, and that is quite enough.  To leave your heirs rich is better than to leave them poor, begging from people� (3991).

author : ram swarup