CSS 2017 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | Inheritance Rights for Women in Islam
The following question of Islamiat is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted on the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner asked a thorough explanation of the Islamic inheritance rights of women in this question. Scholarly definitions, examples, and the framework of Islamic inheritance rights can be added to the response to make it exceptional. The main question’s response then necessitated a thorough examination of the right of inheritance granted to women by Islam. Including pertinent quotes and flow charts can improve the quality of the response.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Importance of Women’s rights according to the Quran and Sunnah
3-Rights of inheritance granted by Islam to women
- ✓Inheritance Rights of Mother
- ✓Inheritance Rights of Wife
- ✓Inheritance Rights of Sister
- ✓Inheritance Rights of Daughter
4-Critical analysis
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Certainly, Islam is a complete code of life. It provides comprehensive guidance in all aspects of life, including social, political, and economic matters. Importantly, Islam does not ignore the rights of women; it grants equal rights to both men and women in all facets of life, including acquiring wealth, possessing property, and the concepts of inheritance. The Quran declares in Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 7
“For men there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave, and for women there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave- whether it is little or much.”
Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 7
This ayah clearly illustrates that sharing inheritance with women is obligatory, and ignorance of women’s rights is a menace. Those who deny shares to women will be held accountable before Allah on the Day of Judgment. Thus, the fulfilment of the rights and duties of women in Islam is a mandatory act, and neglecting these rights is considered a sin, which poses a threat to both individuals and society.
Importance of Women’s rights according to the Quran and Sunnah
Islam is a religion of equality and justice for all human beings. This is why the status of women in Islam is high and unique, which is not illustrated in other religions. Thankfully, where Islam grants women rights in every aspect of life, it also provides them with rights in inheritance. Surah An-Nisa (ayah 40) emphasizes that Allah is never unjust, reinforcing the idea that the distribution of inheritance is fair and equitable, ensuring financial security for women. This ayah affirms the importance of women’s inheritance rights in Islam. Moreover, The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of fulfilling inheritance rights. In one narration, he stated,
“Whoever deprives a woman of her right to inheritance, Allah will deny him Paradise.”
This highlights the seriousness of denying women their rightful shares.( Sunan Abu Dawood). So, Islam recognizes and protects women’s property rights, ensuring their financial independence and security within society.
Rights of inheritance granted by Islam to women
Islam allocates inheritance rights to women in every aspect of their lives, such as being a mother, sister, wife, and daughter. The following are the details:
- Inheritance Rights of Mother
The role of a mother is one of the most respectful and blessed positions in Islam. While Islam has strictly ordered the rights of mothers to be upheld, it also obligates their offspring to fulfil these rights. In Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 11, Allah commands,
“The parents of the deceased are each entitled to one-sixth if he has left offspring. If he left no children and his parents are the only heirs, his mother gets one-third.”
An-Nisa, Ayah 11
This verse demonstrates that sharing inheritance is an obligatory act for children regarding their father’s property, and it is their duty to care for and look after their mother, whether their father is alive or not. Thus, fulfilling a mother’s rights is a pathway to success and happiness, while neglecting these rights poses a serious threat to one’s life, for which one must answer on the Day of Judgment.
- Inheritance Rights of Wife
It is the responsibility of a husband to provide financial security for his wife. A wife is entitled to a specific share of her husband’s estate. If the husband leaves no children, the wife receives one-half (1/2) of the estate. If there are children, she receives one-fourth (1/4) of the estate. This is supported by Surah An-Nisa;
“And for you is half of what your wives leave if they have no child. But if they have a child, for you is one-fourth of what they leave”
An- Nisa, (Ayah- 12)
This principle underlines the importance of a wife’s inheritance as a means of financial security. Therefore, it is mandatory for a man to provide financial support to his wife to fulfill her requirements, as illustrated in Islam.
- Inheritance Rights of Sister
Islam mandates that brothers pay their sisters their rightful share of inheritance from their parents’ property and avoid depriving them of their due rights. While sisters do not inherit from their brothers’ personal property, the Quran specifies their entitlement in cases where brothers have no children. As stated in Surah An-Nisa,
“If a man dies, leaving no child but only a sister, she will have half of what he left. But if there are two sisters or more, they will have two-thirds of what he left”
[Quran 4:176]
This verse addresses the often-overlooked rights of sisters in society. Hence, Islam emphasizes the importance of inheritance for sisters, highlighting the significance of women within the faith.
- Inheritance Rights of Daughter
Daughter is one of beauty, kindness, and a faithful relationship with her parents. Unfortunately, they are often reminded that they are inferior and unwanted members of society. Islam has given daughters their due share in the property of their fathers. As mentioned in the Holy Quran, Allah commands you regarding your children
“The share of the male will be twice that of the female. If you leave only two or more females, their share is two-thirds of the estate. But if there is only one female, her share will be one-half.”
This ayah transparently highlights that the payment of a daughter’s inheritance is a right owed to her by her father, and in the case of her father’s death, this obligation transfers to her brother. Thus, the fulfillment of a daughter’s rights in inheritance is obligatory for all.
Critical analysis
Women are the most important members of society, playing a cardinal role in many capacities: as a mother, a sister, a wife, and a daughter. Although society considers women to be among the most respected and responsible individuals, sadly, when it comes to inheritance, their rights are often ignored. Fortunately, Islam emphasizes the fulfillment of women’s rights, which is one of the basic needs that society easily overlooks. As a consequence, women face difficulties and gloom in their lives. Moreover, Allah and His angels send warnings to societies that ignore women’s rights. Therefore, Muslims should follow the commands of Allah as illustrated in the Quran and Hadith.
Conclusion
No doubt, women have suffered a critical situation and deprivation of their inheritance rights due to a departure from Islamic principles. Islamic teachings are a multifaceted process aimed at creating a just, equitable, and progressive society aligned with Islamic values, granting equal rights to both men and women. Moreover, the Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of recognizing women’s rights according to their status- as mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters. This recognition is essential for eradicating evils from society and fostering love among relationships.
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