His statement, “Whoever is not excluded by it takes his inheritance, such as the grandmother. Whoever has his share reduced by it receives the certain amount. Whoever is excluded by it is given nothing,” means that the heirs alongside the fetus fall into three categories:

The first category consists of those whose share is not reduced at all by the fetus; they are given their full share.

The second consists of those whose share is reduced by the fetus; they are given the certain amount.

The third consists of those whom the fetus excludes; they are given nothing.

For example, a man dies leaving a pregnant wife, a grandmother, and a full brother. This example encompasses all three categories. The grandmother is given her full share, because the fetus neither excludes her nor reduces her share. She receives one-sixth in all cases, whether it is born dead or alive. If it is born alive, the wife receives one-eighth; if it is born dead, she receives one-fourth. Thus, the fetus reduces her share, so we give her the certain amount, which is one-eighth. As for the full brother, if the fetus is born male, the brother is excluded; if it is born dead, he inherits the remainder; and if it is born female, he takes the remainder after her prescribed share. Therefore, we bar him from the inheritance and say, “Wait,” because it is possible that the fetus may be male, in which case he will be excluded. Thus, we give him nothing. This concerns the inheritance of those who are alongside the fetus.

His statement, “It may inherit and be inherited from if it is born crying,” means that a condition for its inheriting is that it be born crying. The phrase “crying” is a circumstantial qualifier, but one used for emphasis; it confirms the meaning of being born crying, namely raising the voice. This means that when it is born, its cry is heard, for a newborn must be born crying, since Satan