LESSON # 498 - Appointed Heirs

LESSON # 498 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Appointed Heirs

Surah NISAAA’  (WOMEN) - Chapter - 4)

Verses –33 of 176, Section –5/24 (Part – 5)

And unto each We have appointed heirs of that which parents and near kindred leave. And as for those with whom your right hands have made a covenant, give them their due. Lo! Allah is ever Witness over all things.

Wa  li-kullin-  ja-‘alnaa  mawaa-liya  mimmaa  tarakal-waa-lidaani  wal-  ‘aqrabuun.  Wal-laziina  ‘aqadat  ‘aymaanukum  fa—‘aatuuhum  nasiibahum.  ‘Innallaaha  kaana  ‘alaa  kulli  shay-‘in  Shahiidaa.

Lesson

‘Al-laziina  ‘aqadat  ‘aymaanukum – (as for those with whom your right hands have made a covenant), the persons, with whom you have promised for something, any treaty of alliance).

It has been described in this verse that the heirs have the right of portion from the wealth, which has been left by any deceased person, whether the dead persons either are parents or near kindred and with whom your right hands have made any covenant, they should be given their due.

Allah Almighty recognizes well that, what the portion of inheritance should be for which heir and what should be given to those who have been promised and that who accepts His orders and who denies/disobeys.

Reason of this verse’s revelation has been mentioned that many people used to embrace Islam individually leaving their idolater and infidel families, and their families and relatives used to remain infidels until long. The Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) made two by two Muslims as partners (brothers) of one another to remove this condition of the Muslims. Therefore, those partners used to become heirs of each other. But after some time, when their near kindred and relatives embraced Islam, then this verse was revealed that actually, the hereditary is the right of only those near kindred and real relatives. Spoken brothers have no right in the inheritance. However, they should be treated with good behaviour in their lives, and if someone bequeaths anything for them at the time of death then it is convenient too. But lawfully they have no right in hereditary.

Allah Almighty has fixed the shares in the inheritance, which are due from the members of the family, near kindred and the relatives vide different verses. These entire portions of the inheritance have been determined in view of their rights and requisitions of all of them. These are good and proper from the beginning to the end for the Muslims in its acceptance. Therefore, we should perform them without any hesitation. Knowledge of Allah Almighty comprehends every thing. He understands very well the intentions and deeds of humankind. He shall reward or punish them in accord with their intentions.      

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’an published By Idara Islah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English  by Muhammad Sharif).