The inheritance must be distributed

Question: My paternal grandfather passed away leaving a tract of farmland. His heirs are seven daughters and one son. After everyone had married, the son kept control of the land and has spent on it almost its full value in development, repair and bringing water to it. Do the daughters still have a share in the property or not?

Answer: Yes, the daughters are entitled to a share of the original land. As for the development expenses your brother paid, that matter is referred back to you.

If you all agree among yourselves to reimburse him for some of those costs, or if he waives them, that is up to you. If you disagree, you must turn to the judge (qadi), who will look into the case. As for the inheritance, each of you is entitled to your share of the original property.

***

The estate is to be divided among the heirs

Question: A few months ago my mother died after being struck by a car. We reached a settlement with the driver who caused the accident, and according to the prevailing custom he paid us fifty-thousand Syrian liras as diyya (blood money). May I spend from this money and give charity on behalf of my mother, and may someone perform Hajj for her? Is it proper to visit the graves on the days of the two Eids and on Fridays, and is it true that the souls return to the dead on such days? Please guide us, and may Allah grant you success.

Answer: The diyya is considered part of the deceased’s estate; therefore it belongs to the heirs, each