as do a maternal uncle, a maternal aunt, and the mother’s father (1); whereas a paternal aunt and the mother’s paternal uncle are treated like the father.

Accordingly, the share of every heir is assigned to the relative through whom he is connected, and if some of them are eliminated by others, that ruling is carried out.

The lines of kinship are three: paternity, maternity, and offspring.

Section
Inheritance of the Fetus

If the heirs request the division of the estate, a portion is reserved for a fetus equal to the larger of the shares of two males or two females (2).
When the child is born, it takes its due share and the remainder goes to those entitled to it. Anyone whom its birth disqualifies receives nothing; whoever is not barred by it takes his full inheritance; and anyone whose share would be reduced receives the amount that is certain.

The newborn both inherits and can transmit inheritance provided it shows a sign of life—such as crying aloud, sneezing, weeping, suckling, or breathing—but not if it merely twitches (3).

An ambiguous intersex person (khunthā mushkil) receives half the share of a male and half that of a female when no clarification of sex is expected; otherwise, he—or she—receives the certain minimum.

Section
Inheritance of the Missing Person

If a person’s whereabouts become unknown during a journey in which safety is the norm—such as captivity or commerce—he is awaited until he would have completed ninety years of age.