ẔAWŪ ʾL-FURŪẒ (ذوو الفروض‎) in Islamic Inheritance Law

Learn about the term ẔAWŪ ʾL-FURŪẒ (ذوو الفروض‎), its implications in Islamic inheritance law, and the specific Qur'anic shares allocated to these inheritors.

ẔAWŪ ʾL-FURŪẒ (ذوو الفروض‎)

Definition

ẔAWŪ ʾL-FURŪẒ (ذوو الفروض‎) refers to “The Sharers” of inheritance in Islamic law, whose shares are explicitly specified in the Qur’an.

Etymology

The term is Arabic.

  • ẔAWŪ (ذوو): A relational term meaning “those entitled to” or “possessors of.”
  • ʾL-FURŪẒ (الفروض): Plural form of “farīḍa” (فريضة), meaning “prescribed share” or “duty.”

Inheritance in the Qur’an

In the context of Islamic inheritance, certain relatives have fixed, legally defined shares in the estate of a deceased Muslim. These shares are clearly outlined in specific verses within the Qur’an, particularly in Surah Al-Nisa (Chapter 4).

Key Inheritors

The primary sharers typically include:

  • Spouses
  • Parents
  • Siblings
  • Children

Qur’anic Verses

The principal verses defining the shares of ẔAWŪ ʾL-FURŪẒ include:

  • Qur’an 4:7-12: Outlining shares among close family members.
  • Qur’an 4:176: Providing additional clarifications for inheritance issues.

Importance in Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)

The allocation of shares by ẔAWŪ ʾL-FURŪẒ is a fundamental aspect of Islamic inheritance law (Ilm al-Mirath), ensuring justice and fairness.

Etymology in Turkish

In Turkish Islamic literature, the term is often referred to as “Ferâiz Sahipleri”.

  • “The Islamic Law of Inheritance: A Comparative Study” by Almaric Rumsey
  • “Islamic Inheritance Law: Unveiling the Qur’anic Essentials” by Estaire T. Gonzalez
  • “Compendium of Islamic Law” by Ibn Rushd (Averroes)

Takeaways

  1. Qur’anic Foundation: The shares of inheritance for ẔAWŪ ʾL-FURŪẒ are directly specified in various verses of the Qur’an, highlighting their importance.
  2. Legal Nuances: Interpretation and implementation of these shares are central to the practice of Islamic inheritance law.
  3. Family Structure: The rules reflect the emphasis Islam places on family responsibility and social equity.

Conclusion

Understanding ẔAWŪ ʾL-FURŪẒ is critical for comprehending Islamic perspectives on inheritance and ensuring adherence to Shari’ah. The fixed shares prescribed in the Qur’an aim to distribute wealth justly within the family, upholding societal balance and familial duties as emphasized in Islamic teachings.

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