and paid the price. That money became their father’s property, and when he later died they inherited the land. They obtained it through inheritance, not by way of a gift or a waiver; it is their rightful portion of the estate.

Equity in Gifts

Question: A man died, leaving behind a wife, a mother, and a son. His estate was distributed according to Islamic law, and every heir received the share allotted to him. After the division, the deceased’s mother voluntarily, in full possession of her faculties and without any coercion, relinquished her legal share to her grandson—the son mentioned in the case. The deceased also had four full brothers; some of them agree with the mother’s decision while others do not. What is the ruling of the Sharia on this? May Allah reward you.

Answer: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade giving something to some children while leaving others out. When a man once came to him, having granted a gift to one of his children and asking the Prophet to witness it, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him, “Have you given each of your children something like this?” The man replied, “No.” He then said, “Fear Allah and treat your children justly.”

In another narration he asked, “Would it please you if they were all equally dutiful to you?” The man answered, “Yes.” He said, “Then do not do that.”