If human nature is alive and a person possesses the ability to reflect and think, then even a single sentence or a single call is enough to awaken and move them into action. But if a person’s nature has died, and veils of disbelief and sin have covered their sight and insight, then even hundreds of pages of writing, thousands of speeches, and countless signs of Allah’s power present in the universe become insufficient to awaken and stir them.

In the horizons and within human beings themselves, the Creator of the universe has placed countless proofs of His Oneness and signs for guidance. If a person only reflects upon their own creation—that there was a time when they did not exist at all, when they were completely nothing—then Allah, Glorious and Exalted, brought them into existence through His perfect power. From the mother’s womb to the embrace of motherhood, and from there to the grave, every stage of life has been fully arranged by Him to meet all human needs. A person has no role in this, no personal perfection or achievement; it is purely the kindness, favor, and generosity of the Most Merciful and Noble Lord.

The Means of Livelihood

Human needs in this worldly system are generally connected to wealth and property. Wealth is one of the best means to fulfill human requirements. Therefore, love for wealth is naturally placed within human beings. Since Islam is a religion of nature, it has not only permitted earning wealth through lawful (halal) means but has also encouraged it. It has clarified lawful sources of income, explained their rulings, and identified unlawful (haram) sources. After detailing halal and haram, Islam has also clarified the obligatory and voluntary rights related to wealth—both the rights of Allah and the rights of people—and commanded their fulfillment.

The Gradual Revelation of Inheritance Laws

The rulings regarding wills were revealed gradually, and as people began to practice them, the laws of inheritance were also revealed step by step. The first ruling declared that just as men have a right to inheritance, women also have a right. Allah Almighty revealed:

“For men is a share of what parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what parents and close relatives leave, whether it be little or much—a determined share.” (Surah An-Nisa: 7)

The background of this verse is mentioned in classical tafsir. When Aws ibn Thabit Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) passed away, he left behind his wife Umm Kujjah and three daughters. His cousins, Suwaid and ‘Arfajah—who were also executors—took all the wealth and deprived the wife and daughters of their share. Umm Kujjah went to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and explained the situation. The Prophet told her to return home and be patient until Allah revealed a decision. Then this verse was revealed, abolishing the pre-Islamic custom of excluding women from inheritance and affirming their rightful share.

Soon after, during the Battle of Uhud (3 AH), the noble companion Sa’d ibn Rabi‘ Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) was martyred. His brothers took all his property and deprived his wife and two daughters. His wife approached the Prophet (peace be upon him), who again told her to be patient until Allah revealed a ruling.

Detailed Inheritance Rulings

The background of this verse is mentioned in classical tafsir. When Aws ibn Thabit Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) passed away, he left behind his wife Umm Kujjah and three daughters. His cousins, Suwaid and ‘Arfajah—who were also executors—took all the wealth and deprived the wife and daughters of their share. Umm Kujjah went to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and explained the situation. The Prophet told her to return home and be patient until Allah revealed a decision. Then this verse was revealed, abolishing the pre-Islamic custom of excluding women from inheritance and affirming their rightful share.

Soon after, during the Battle of Uhud (3 AH), the noble companion Sa’d ibn Rabi‘ Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) was martyred. His brothers took all his property and deprived his wife and two daughters. His wife approached the Prophet (peace be upon him), who again told her to be patient until Allah revealed a ruling.

Detailed Inheritance Rulings

“Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females…” (Surah An-Nisa: 11)

In this verse, Allah clearly commands that just as sons have a right in inheritance, daughters also have a right. After this revelation, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed that two-thirds of Sa’d’s estate be given to his daughters, one-eighth to his widow, and the remainder to his brother. This was the first practical implementation of Islamic inheritance law.