the other. If, however, one of the two numbers is concordant with the other, multiply the concordant factor (wafq) of either number by the entire other number, then multiply the product by the root of the case. Example: four wives, one sister, and six paternal uncles. The six is concordant with the four at a ratio of one-half, so multiply one-half of either of the two numbers by the whole of the other, then multiply that result by the root. The final root becomes forty-eight, and from forty-eight the division is validated.

Once the problem has been balanced, multiply the individual shares of every heir by the total estate. Divide the amount obtained by the root from which the inheritance was rendered correct; the quotient is that heir’s due.

Should the estate remain undistributed until one of the heirs dies, then if the portion he was entitled to from the first decedent divides evenly among his own heirs, both calculations are sound on the basis of the first root. If it does not divide evenly, correct the inheritance of the second decedent in the manner already explained; then multiply one of the two problems by the other—provided there is no concordance between the shares of the second decedent and the root from which his estate was made correct.

If concordance does exist between them, multiply the second problem by the first, and the number produced will be the root that validates both problems.

Everyone who held a share in the first problem is now multiplied by the concordant factor of the second problem, and everyone who held a share in the second problem is multiplied by the concordant factor of the second decedent’s estate.

When the munāsakha (successive inheritance) problem has been settled and you wish to know the value of each single grain of a dirham, divide the final root by forty-eight; whatever figure results, deduct that amount from each heir’s shares. Allah knows best and is the source of all correctness.