and the preposition “for,” taken to denote ownership, is untenable for the reasons we have mentioned.

The third point is that Allah says concerning inheritance:

“Allah instructs you concerning your children: a male shall have the share of two females.”

And He says:

“You shall have half of what your wives leave,”

through to His words:

“And they shall have a quarter of what you leave.”

And He says:

“If there are brothers and sisters, a male shall have the share of two females.”

Since the preposition “for” here denotes ownership, all the categories mentioned must be covered, each category included, and equal shares allotted among them. Thus, if a man has four wives, four sons, daughters, sisters, or brothers, every individual within the relevant category must be included and receive an equal share, because each is entitled by virtue of kinship, in which they stand equally. In the case of charitable dues, however, the matter is different, so this is not obligatory.

It should not be objected that it is impossible to include every individual in a category, for the reply is that the same principle advanced regarding the categories must also be applied to their individual members. If it is said, “All categories must be included as far as possible, and whatever is beyond one’s ability is waived,” the same must be said regarding individuals.

Yet that is not the rule. Rather, one must strive to act justly as far as possible, as we have explained. And Allah knows best.