Chapter on the Laws of Inheritance

The subject of inheritance is both important and worthy of careful attention, for the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—encouraged its study and dissemination in many hadiths. Among them is his statement: “Learn the farāʾiḍ (laws of inheritance) and teach them to the people, for they make up half of all knowledge. This knowledge is liable to be forgotten, and it will be the first branch of learning to be removed from my community.” Related by Ibn Mājah. In another wording: “My time is near, and knowledge will soon be withdrawn. Trials will appear until two people dispute over an inheritance share and can find no one to adjudicate between them.” Recorded by Aḥmad, al-Tirmidhī, and al-Ḥākim.

What he foretold has indeed come to pass: this science has been neglected and forgotten. It is seldom taught in the mosques, and in the schools of the Muslims it appears only in certain programs, and then in so feeble a manner that it fails to meet the need—in fact, in so feeble a manner that it does not guarantee the preservation of this knowledge.